fL 


7 


Ti¥ri  i?YD]^mTinji! 


MCCULLOCH'S 

TEXAS  RANBERS. 

INCLUDIXa 

0ku*im9t]e0  iDitl]  tl)e  iJIericans, 

AND   A\   ACCURATE   DETAIL  OF   THE 

STORMING    OF    MONTEREY; 

ALSO,   THE 

DIKING  SCOUTS  AT  BUENA  VISTA; 

TOGETHBa  WITH 

ANECDOTES,  INCIDENTS,  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  COUNTRY,  AND  SKETCHES  OF  THE  LIVES 
OF   THE   CELEBRATED  PARTISAN   CHIEFS, 

HAYS,  Mcculloch,  and  walker. 

BY 

SAMUEL    C.   REID,  JR. 

LATE   or  THE  TEXAS  RAXGERS   AND  MEMBER  OF  THE  BAR  OF  lOXTISIAKA. 

4 

WITH    TWELVE    ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PHILADELPHIA : 

G.    B.   Z  I  E  B  E  R    AND    CO. 

1847. 


FOR  SALE  AND  IN  PRESS. 

BY  GEORGE  B.  ZIEBER  &  CO. 

PHILADELPHIA. 


§1 


GEORGE  B.  ZIEBER  &  CO.  have  fn  press  an  original  and 
uniform  series  of  moral  and  instructive  Nursery  Publications, 
by  "Grandfather  Lovkchild,"  embellished  with  elegant 
highly-coloured  illustrations,  engraved 'on  wood,  in  the  high- 
est style  of  the  art,  by  Gilbkkt,  Gihost,  Brightly,  Waitt, 
DowjfEs,  and  others,  from  original  designs  by  Croojie  and 
Dari-et. 

NATURAL  HISTORY  (ANIMALS),  Parti.,  8  illastrations lai  cts. 

NATURAL  HISTORY  (BIRDS),  Parti.,  8  illustrations 12* 

NATURAL  HISTORY  (FISHES).  Part  I.,  8  illustrations I'Ji 

NATURAL  HISTORY  (REPTILES),  Part  I.,  8  illustrations 12^ 

This  series,  when  complete,  will  be  the  most  beautiful  in  design,  engrav- 
ing and  colouring,  ever  gotten  up  either  in  Europe  or  America. 

ROBINSON  CRUSOE.  8  illustrations 12*  cts. 

THE  CHILDREN  IN  THE  WOOD,  8  illustrations 12i 

BLUE  BEARD,  8  illustrations  •  • 12* 

CINDERELLA.  8  illustrations 12* 

LITTLE  RED  RIDING  HOOD.  8  illustrations 12| 

SLEEPING  BEA  UTY,  8  illustrations 12* 

PUSS  IN  BOOTS,  8  illustrations • 12* 

RIQUET  WITH  THE  TUFT,  8  illustrations 12* 

THE  SERPENT  LADY.  8  illustrations 12* 

PETER  AVILKINS.  8  illustrations 12* 

PERONELLA.  8  illustrations 12* 

FLORINE.  8  illustrations 12* 

JACK,  THE  GIANT  KILLER,  8  illustrations 12* 

JUST    PUBIilSHBD. 

ALADDIN;  or,  The  Wonderful  Lamp,  15  illustrations,  coloured-- -25 

ALADDIN;  or.  The  Wonderful  Lamp,  15  illustrations,  plain 12* 

MOTHER  GOOSE,  8  illustrations 12* 

ROBIN  HOOD.  8  iUustrations 12* 

HENRY  BROWN.  S  illustrations 12* 

FRED  FEARNOUGHT,  8  illustrations 12* 

BEAUTY  AND  THE  BEAST,  8  illustrations 12* 

TOM  THUMB,  8  illustrations. 12* 

GRANDFATHER    LOVECHILD'S    PICTORIAL     PRIMER, 

27  illustrations 12* 

IN    ADDITION. 

NURSERY  BOOK  OF  RHYMES,  TALES,  and  FABLES;  a  Gift 
for  all  seasons,  splendidly  illustrated  with  wood  engravings,  ^ 

muslin,  gilt  edges - 75 

Same,  paper  covers 50 

ALADDIN;   or.  The  Wonderful   I-amp;   a  Gift  for   all  seasons. 

Edited  by  Lawrence  liovechild.      (Prose.)     Muslin,  15  illus-  . 

trations,  coloured 75  * 

Same,  paper  covers,  15  illustrations 50  ( 


General  Taylor,  from  a  Drawing  by  the  celebrated  French  artist, 
Auguste  Chatillon,  of  New  Orleans. 


& 


THE 

SCOUTING   EXPEDITIONS 

OF 

McCULLOCH'S  TEXAS  EANGERS; 

OR,  THE 

SUM3iER  AND  FALL  CAMPAIGN  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE 
UNITED  STATES  IN  MEXIC(>-1846 ; 

INCLUDING 

Skirmisljea  roitl)  tl)e  IlleMcaua, 

AND  AN  ACCURATE  DETAIL  OF  THE 

STORMING    OF    MONTEREY; 

ALSO,   THE  ~ 

DARING  SCOUTS  AT  BUENA  YISTA; 

TOGETHER  WITH 

ANECDOTES,  INCIDENTS,  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  COUNTRY,  AND  SKETCHES  OF  THE  LXVES 
OF  THE   CELEBRATED  PARTISAN  CHIEFS, 

HAYS,   McCULLOCH,   AND  WALKER. 


BY 

vSAMUEL    C.   REip,  JR. 

LATS  or  THE  Ti:XA3  RANOERS   AITS  MEMBER  OF  THE   BAR  07  LOVISIAVA. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

G.    B,    ZIEBER    AND    CO- 

1847. 


Entered  ACCORDiifG  to  act  of  Congress,  ih  the  tear  1847,  bt  G.  B.  ZIEBER  &  Co., 
IN  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District  of 
Pennstlvaiia. 


■TEREOTTPED    BY   L.  JOHNSON  AND   CO. 

PHILADELPHIA. 

PRINTED   BY   KINO  AND   BAIRD. 


llSf^d 


TO 


MAJOR-GENERAL    Z.    TAYLOR, 

COMXAXCIKG  THE   AKMT   OF  THS  VKITED   STATES  IN  XEXICO. 

Dear  General — 

Permit  a  soldier,  who  has  had  the  honour  of  serving  under 
your  command  throughout  some  of  the  most  stirring  scenes  of  the  war 
with  Mexico,  to  dedicate  to  you  the  following  pages — ^being  simply  the 
journal  of  an  expedition  remarkable  for  many  events  worthy  of  being 
preserved  for  the  future. 

The  tribute  is  offered,  not  only  as  a  token  of  the  high  regard  and 
esteem  in  which  you  were  held  by  the  men  and  officers  under  your 
command,  whose  friend  and  leader  you  were;  and  of  the  high  sense 
universally  entertained  for  your  military  talents,  for  which  you  are  so 
justly  distinguished ;  but  also  for  the  kind  courtesies  received  at  your 
hands  while  in  the  service  of  our  common  country. 
With  great  respect, 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 

Your  obH  servant, 

SAM'L  C.  REID,  Jr. 

Nb7  Okleaxs,  Feb.  22,  1847. 


J 


PREFACE. 


The  author  of  the  following  pages,  participating  in  the 
enthusiastic  feeling  that  prevailed  on  the  reception  of  the  news 
from  Mexico  of  the  battles  of  "  Palo  Alto"  and  "  Resaca 
de  la  Palma,"  was  induced  to  join  the  volunteers  called  into 
service,  and  left  New  Orleans  as  adjutant  of  one  of  the  regi- 
ments of  Louisiana  volunteers. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  at  Brazos  St.  Jago,  becoming  dissatis- 
fied with  his  position,  and  feeling  confident  that  his  regiment 
would  be  kept  in  the  rear  to  garrison  the  different  posts,  he 
resigned  his  rank,  and  proceeded  to  Matamoras,  where  he 
joined  the  company  of  Texas  Rangers,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Benjamin  McCulloch,  which  was  detached  from  Col.  Hays's 
regiment,  and  kept  for  scouting  service  by  General  Taylor. 

Long  habituated  to  writing  a  journal,  the  author  kept  up 
his  notes  while  hi  Mexico,  which  he  has  been  induced  to  give 
to  the  pubUc,  at  the  solicitation  of  his  friends,  and  has  thought 
that  their  presentation  would  prove  most  acceptable  in  their 
original  form.  It  is,  then,  but  a  simple  journal  of  events, 
that  he  offers  to  the  public  as  they  occurred,  from  the  em- 
barkation of  his  regiment,  including  the  storming  of  Monterey, 
up  to  the  time  of  his  return  to  New  Orleans,  with  an  account 
of  the  celebrated  scouts  of  McCulloch  at  Buena  Vista. 

We  have  endeavoured  to  give  a  fair  and  faithful  account  of 


b  PREFACE. 

the  incidents  herein  related,  and  to  do  justice  to  those  who 
participated  in  them ;  if,  however,  some  statements  may  seem 
to  have  been  given  with  inaccuracy,  it  must  be  recollected 
that  men  do  not  see,  think,  speak,  or  act  alike,  and  there- 
fore diversity  not  only  of  opinion  will  exist,  but  even  dif- 
ferent constructions  will  be  given;  nay,  some  events  may  be 
unknown,  while  others  are  overlooked ;  to  those,  then,  who 
may  seem  to  have  been  neglected,  we  tender  this  as  our 
apology. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.  PAG* 

Departure  for  the  Seat  of  War — Incidents  of  the  passage — Arrival  at  the  Brazos 
St.  Jago — Description  of  the  Island,  &c.,  and  Point  Isabel— Anecdote* — The 
false  Alarm 11 


CHAPTER  ir. 

Camp  at  Brazos  St.  Jago — Scenes  and  Incidents — Capture  of  a  "Vessel  with  Contra- 
band Goods — The  Trial  and  Punishment  of  the  Offenders — The  Regiment  moves 
to  Burita — Arrival  at  the  Rio  Grande — Occurrences  of  the  March — Wreck  of 
the  Steamer  Frontier — Description  of  Burita 17 


CHAPTER  III. 

Camp  of  the  5th  Louisiana  Regiment— Departure  for  Matamoras— Incidents  of  the 
Road — Description  of  Matamoras,  &c. — Capt.  McCulioch — Camp  of  the  Regu- 
lars— Scenes  and  Anecdotes — The  Camp  of  the  Rangers — The  Fourth  of 
July — Incidents — ^The  old  French  Baker — His  Garden — A  Wedding — The  Fan- 
dango  t  21 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Departure  for  Reynoso  on  the  Steamer  "  J.  E.  Roberts  " — The  Rio  Grande  and  its 
Banks — Our  Arrival  and  Departure — The  Steamer  aground — Lieut.  McMullen's 
Story — Ride  to  Reynoso — Description  of  the  Town — An  Incident — We  proceed 
to  Comargo — The  river  San  Juan — Clay  Davis's  Place — Arrival  at  Comargo — 
Description  of  its  Ruins — The  Rangers'  Camp,  &c. — A  Sunday  at  Church — 
The  Mexican  Girls — Their  Dress  and  Customs 


CHAPTER  V. 

News  of  the  War  reaches  Texas — Formation  of  Capt.  McCulloch's  Company  of 
Rangers — March  to  Corpus  Christi — The  Ford  of  the  Laguna  del  Madre — Padre's 
Island — Uncle  Tilley — ^The  Carankawa  Indians — Arrival  at  Point  Isabel — March 
to  Matamoras — Scout  towards  Linares — Incidents — Capture  of  the  Mexican 
Mail— Arrival  at  Reynoso 36 


CHAPTER  VL 

Camp  at  Reynoso— Scenes  and  Incidents — An  Express  leaves  for  Matamoras — 
Lieut.  McMullen  left  in  Command— Attempt  to  capture  Canales  at  a  Fandango — 
The  Festival  of  St.  Juan— The  Chicken  Race— Celebration  of  the  Fourth  of 
July — Pursuit  of  a  Band  of  Robbers — The  Arrival  of  the  remainder  of  the 
Company  at  Reynoso — Our  March  to  Comargo — Bill  Dean's  Story — Arrival  at 
Comargo 52 

7 


8 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  Vn. 


The  Indian  Scout— The  Comanches— News  of  their  Depredations— Ordered  to 
follow  their  Trail— The  swimming  of  the  Rio  Grande — Attempt  to  rescue  a 
Drowning  Man— a  Ranger  playing  'Possum— The  city  of  Rio  Grande— Prickly 
Pears — The  Indian  Trail— The  Night  Alarm — Strange  Concert— The  Deserted 
Ranchos— The  Elephant  in  the  Chaparral— Re-crossing  of  the  River— Arrival  at 
Mier— Bathing  Scene— The  Battle  Ground— Return  to  Comargo 66 


CHAPTER  Vni. 

The  Hospital  of  the  Sick— Soldiers'  Anecdotes — Orders  for  our  March — Scout  to 
China — The  Sugar  Rancho — The  strange  Guide — An  extraordinary  Vision — The 
March  at  Night — Rancho  El  Tore — The  Arm-Chair  Church — Preparations  for  a 
Fight — The  false  Alarm — Our  entrance  into  China — Retreat  of  Col.  Seguin  and 
his  Men — The  vain  Pursuit 75 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Camp  at  China — The  School-house — Our  return  March — A  Family  up  a  Tree — We 
proceed  to  Passa  Sacate— Trinadad  Alderet — Encampment  in  the  Prairie — 
McCulloch's  Story  of  his  father's  Compass — Camp  on  the  San  Juan — How  to 
keep  dry — Rancho  Grande — The  old  Texian's  true  Story — Our  return  to  Co- 
margo     63 


CHAPTER  X. 

Camp  at  Comargo— Scout  to  Punta  Aguda— Lake  Guardado— The  Chase  and  the 
Death — Encampment  near  Mier — Captain  Duncan  in  command — "Jack  Everitt" — 
The  Fandango  at  Punta  Aguda— The  Search  for  Canales  and  Col.  Ram^res— 
The  attempted  Escape  of  a  Mexican  Officer— Corporal  Bawk  and  the  Mexican 
Ladies — The  Dance — The  midnight  March 


CHAPTER  XL 

Scout  to  Serralvo — Description  of  the  Serralvo  Mountains,  and  the  Town — Our 
Reception — Encampment  on  the  Rio  Alamo — Our  departure  for  Agua  licjos — 
Encampment — Return— Description  of  the  place — The  Alcalde— Paso  Isla— The 
crossing — The  Story  of  "Strabismus  Bill" — Arrival  at  Mier— Return  to  Co- 
margo—The^Grand  Review 96 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Camp  at  Comargo — Movement  of  the  Army — Guerrero — A  Mexican  Funeral — San 
Fernando — Col.  Jack  Hays— His  Character— The  Battles  of  Pierdenales  and  the 
Enchanted  Rock — Anecdote — Departure  for  Serralvo — Camp  at  Mier — The  Lipan 
Chief,  "  Flacco" — Camp  at  Punta  Aguda — Arrival  at  Serralvo — Reconnoissance  to 
Carrisito — Scout  to  Papagayo— Incidents— Our  Return  to  Serralvo 103 


CHAPTER  Xni. 

Camp  at  Serralvo— Gen.  Ampudia's  Proclamation — Its  Effect— The  Mexican 
Feeling— The  Alcalde's  Fandango — Scenes  and  Incidents  at  Punta  Aguda — The 
Third  Brigade  on  the  qui  vive — Arrival  of  Gen.  Taylor  and  First  and  Third 
Divisions-— Orders  for  the  March  of  the  Army — Departure  of  the  Advance — 
Arrival  at  Papagayo — Discovery  of  the  Enemy — The  expected  Attack — Scout 
to  Ramos — Skirmish  with  the  Mexican  Cavalry — The  Chase  and  Retreat — Our 
Return  to  Camp — Arrival  of  Gen.  Taylor  and  the  First  Division — Camp  Scene — 
Movements  of  the  Second  Division,  &c. 119 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


Description  of  Ramos— The  Wounded  Mexican — The  Charity  and  Benevolence  of 
the  Texas  Rangers — Arrival  at  Marin— Evacuation  of  the  Town  by  the  Mexican 
Troops— Description  of  the  Country,  and  Marin — A  Mexican  Dinner — The  Great 
Western— Scenes  and  Incidents — An  Express  from  the  Spanish  Consul— Camp  at 
Marin- Capture  of  a  Spy — Ampudia's  Letter  and  Circular— Scout  to  Pescaria 
Chica— Incidents— Zacatycas — Agua  Frio— Arrival  at  San  Francisco— The  whole 
Army  Encamped — Arrival  of  Gen.  Henderson  with  the  Texas  Rangers — Scene* 
and  Preparations — March  of  the  Army  towards  Monterey — Arrival  before  the 
Fortifications  of  the  City — View  of  the  Valley  of  Monterey — Demonstration  by  the 
Mexican  Cavalry — The  Opening  of  the  Enemy's  Batteries — The  Reconnoissance — 
Camp  at  Walnut  Springs— The  Night  Expedition — Prisoners— Scene  at  the  Guard 
Fires 132 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Description  of  the  Fortifications  at  Monterey — General  Taylor's  Military  Talent — 
His  Character — Gen.  Worth — Enumeration  of  his  Division — Anecdote  of  Gen. 
Taylor — The  March  and  Detour  of  the  Second  Division — The  Movement  dis- 
covered by  the  Enemy — Diversion  made  by  the  First  and  Third  Divisions — 
Arrival  of  the  Second  Division  at  the  Pescaria  Grande  Road — The  Reconnois- 
sance— ^The  Ambuscade — Heroic  Act  of  Lieut.  McMullen — Camp  at  the  Jacales — 
The  Attack  on  Pigs  and  Poultry — The  Surprise  and  Attack  by  the  Mexican 
Cavalry — Their  Repulse  with  Loss — Incidents  of  the  Night — Our  dreary  Situa- 
tion— The  superiority  of  the  Enemy's  Forces  and  Defences 149 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  First  Day  of  the  Battle — Discovery  of  the  Enemy— The  Cavalry  Charge — 
Death  of  Lieut.  Col.  Ndjera — The  enemy's  Defeat — Incidents  of  the  Charge — 
Anecdote  of  a  Ranger — An  Irish  Teamster — Military  skill  of  Gen.  Taylor— ?rhe 
First  and  Third  Divisions — Gen.  Worth  gains  the  Saltillo  road — Maj.  Brown 
occupies  the  Mill  at  St.  Catarina— The  critical  position  of  Gen.  Worth— His  Mill' 
tary  Bearing — The  Storming  of  Federation  Hill  and  Fort  Soldada — The  Retreat  of 
the  Enemy — Lieut.  Pitcher's  Chalk  Marks — Noble  act  of  Lieut.  Geo.  Deas — \ 
wild  Scene— A  touching  Sight— Generalship  of  Worth— The  Close  of  the  Day-^ 
Suffering  of  the  Troops— A  Storm  at  Night— Mexican  Hospitality — Description  of 
a  Mexican  Woman — Preparations  for  the  Morrow- 15^ 


CHAPTER  XVIL 

Operations  of  the  2lst  of  September  on  the  Eastern  side  of  Monterey — Advance  of 
the  First  and  Third  Divisions  from  Camp — The  Reconnoissance  of  Major  Mans- 
field—Col. Garland  moves  towards  the  City  with  the  let  and  3d  Infantry— The 
Attack— Desperate  Conflict— The  Repulse — Failof  Lear,  Barbour,  Field.  Williams, 
and  Irwin — Advance  of  Quitman's  and  Hamer's  Brigades — The  Baltimore  Bat- 
talion— Death  of  Watson,  R.  H.  Graham,  Hoskins,  and  Woods — Lieut.  Colonel 
McClung^s  Charge— The  Taking  of  Fort  Ten^ria— Col.  Davis  advances  to  charge 
Fort  El  Diablo— The  Ohio  Regiment  enters  the  Streets— Gallantry  of  the  Troops- 
Gen.  Butler  wounded— Col.  Garland  advances  to  the  Tftte-de-Pont — His  Position 
gallantly  maintained— Fall  of  Morris  and  Hazlitt — Repulse  of  the  Enemy's  Cavalry 
by  Bragg  and  Ridgelv — Gen.  Butler's  Division  returns  to  Camp— Gen.  Twiggs' 
Division  occupies  the'  Captured  Forts— Gen.  Taylor— The  Night— Scene  of  the 
Battle-field 168 


CHAPTER  XVm. 

The  Second  Day— Description  of  Independence  Hill— The  Storming  of  the  Height — 
The  Fall  of  Gillespie  and  Thomas— The  7th  Infantry— Capt.  Miles'  Diversion- 
Sortie  by  the  Enemy  from  the  Bishop's  Palace— The  5th  Infantry— Lieut  Roland's 
Howitzer— Capt.  Vinton's  Ruse— The  Charge  of  the  Enemy  from  the  Bishop's 


JO  CONTENTS. 


Palace— Their  Defeat— The  Charge  of  our  Troops— The  Taking  of  the  Palace- 
Duncan's  Battery — Gen.  Worth's  Bulletins — The  Close  of  the  Day— Captain 
Walker — Incidents  of  his  Life-  •  •  — 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Gen.  Taylor's  Forces  on  the  East  Side — The  Morning  of  the  22d— Gen.  Henderson, 
and  Woods'  Rangers — Twiggs'  Division,  relieved  by  Butler's — Abandonment  of 
Fort  El  Diablo  by  the  Mexicans— The  Third  Day— The  5th  Infantry— Major 
Brown's  Command— Reconnoissance  by  Lieut.  Meade  and  Capu  McCulloch — 
Gen.  Worth  enters  the  City  wiih  his  Division — Arrival  of  Major  Munroe  with  the 
Mortar — The  Second  Division  reaches  the  Plaza  de  Came — The  Street  Fight — 
The  Bomb-Shells  at  Night — Gen.  Taylor's  Camp — Operations  of  the  First  and 
Third  Divisions  on  the  23d — Gen.  Quitman  and  Woods'  Rangers  enter  the  City — 
Bragg's  Battery — A  flag  with  a  Letter  from  the  Governor  reaches  Gen.  Taylor — 
Posiuon  of  the  Army  on  the  23d 189 

CHAPTER  XX. 

The  Morning  of  the  24th — Continuation  of  the  Battle— Lieut.  Farrelly — Lieut  Ewd. 
Deas — Flag  from  Ampudia,  with  Letter  to  Gen.  Taylor — Suspension  of  Hostili- 
ties— Surrender  of  the  City — Disappointment  of  the  Texians — The  Capitulation- 
Letter  of  Col.  Davis — Terms  of  Ceremony  of  the  Surrender — Evacuation  of  the 
City — Visit  to  Gen.  Ampudia — His  Address  and  Pronunciamento — Ampudia's 
Account  of  the  Battle 200 

CHAPTER   XXL 

The  Morning  of  the  26th— Description  of  the  City  of  Monterey— Senor  Gaja— 
The  School— Senor  Serrano's  House— Anecdote— The  Cathedral— The  Valley  of 
Monterey — Mr.  Poinsett's  Description  of  the  Country  from  Monterey  to  Tampico — 
The  Ladies  of  Monterey — Senora  Curlier  and  her  Daughter— A  Romantic  Story — 
The  City  at  Night — Riley,  the  Deserter — Orders  of  Taylor  and  Worth — The  Pros- 
pect of  Peace — Texas  Rangers  Disbanded — Description  of  the  Bishop's  Palace — 
The  Wounded  Mexicans — View  from  the  Palace — Mass  at  the  Cathedral — Death 
of  Father  Rey — Preparations  to  leave  for  Coraargo 216 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Departure  for  Comargo — Marin — Arrival  at  Serralvo— Incidents  of  Travel — 
Mexican  Customs — A  Camp  Scene — Arrival  at  Punta  Aguda — Alarming  Ren- 
counter— Arrival  at  Mier — Senor  Don  Domingo  and  his  Daughters — Scene  at 
Mier — Arrival  at  Guardado — A  Mexican  Dinner — Arrival  atMatamoras — Change 
in  the  Place — Arrival  at  the  Brazos — Departure  for  New  Orleans — We  put  into 
Galveston — Description  of  the  City — Arrival  at  New  Orleans — McCulIoch's  Return 
home — Incidents  of  the  Road — ^The  Stampede — Scout  to  Rancho  Encarnacion — 
Charge  on  the  Enemy's  Picket — The  Return — The  Second  Scout — Daring  Feat — 
Discovery  of  Santa  Anna's  Army — McCulIoch's  Escape  from  the  Camp  of  the 
Enemy — Arrival  at  Agua  Nueva— The  Battle  of  Buena  Vista— The  Conclusion- •  227 


LISTS  OF  THE  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED,  &c 239 


McCULLOCH^S  TEXAS  BANGERS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Departure  for  the  Seat  of  War — Incidents  of  the  Passage-;- Arrival  at  the 
Brazos  St.  Jago — Description  of  the  Island,  &c.,  and  Point  Isabel — ^Anec- 
dotes— The  false  Alarm. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  June,  1846,  our  regiment,  the 
6th  Louisiana  Volunteers,  was  complete  and  fully  equipped,  having' 
been  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  were 
patiently  waiting  at  the  barracks,  below  the  city  of  New  Orleans, 
for  transportation.  As  is  always  the  case  preparatory  to  the  em- 
barkation of  either  sailors  or  soldiers,  every  thing  was  in  the 
highest  state  of  confusion  and  excitement.  Orders  had  been 
issued  for  the  departure  of  our  regiment  on  the  next  morning  at 
dayhght,  and  the  steamer  James  L.  Day  was  ready  at  the  land- 
ing to  receive  us.  Notwithstanding  the  inclemency  of  the  wea- 
ther, the  barracks  had  been  thronged  with  the  friends  and  rela- 
tives of  the  officers  and  soldiers,  and  amid  the  final  adieus  and  sad 
farewells,  there  was  many  a  strict  injunction  and  ardent  promise 
made  and  given  among  the  parting  friends.  It  was  our  last  night 
ashore,  and  every  one  seemed  determined  to  make  the  most  of  it. 
There  were  any  quantity  of  malcontents  in  the  guard-house — and 
many  were  the  ingenious  plots,  plans,  and  excuses  made  up  among 
the  men,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  leave  to  go  up  town ;  and  in 
case  of  failure  many  of  them  took  French  leave,  by  scaling  the 
walls  of  the  barracks.  The  night  was  extremely  propitious  for 
those  who  chose  this  mode  of  procedure,  for  a  very  heavy  rain 
had  set  in  during  the  early  part  of  the  evening,  and  continued  to 
fall  in  torrents  throughout  the  night. 

At  dayhght  on  the  5th,  we  commenced  to  embark  the  troops, 
and  on  examining  the  morning  report,  we  found  a  goodly  number 
marked  absent  without  leave  ;  an  officer  was  despatched  to  town 
after  the  delinquents,  who  succeeded  in  getting  all  on  board,  with 
a  few  exceptions.  At  11,  a.  m.,  we  got  underweigh,  the  steamer 
taking  a  turn  up  the  river,  and  rounding  most  beautifully,  with 
colours  flying, and  the  band  playing  a  hvely  air;  we  fired  a  salute 


12  SUNRISE    ON    THE   OCEAN. 

from  a  long  brass  piece,  which  had  been  put  on  board  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  vessel,  and  the  sun  coming  out  in  all  its  wonted 
splendour  as  we  passed  the  barracks,  we  returned  the  hearty- 
cheer  which  had  saluted  us  from  our  friends  on  shore.  Pursuing 
our  course  as  we  swiftly  ghded  over  the  turbid  waters  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, which  was  soon  to  lead  us  to  the  blue  waves  of  Mexico, 
we  saw,  as  it  were,  our  homes  receding  far  in  the  distance  from 
us,  and  to  many  it  was  a  last  and  eternal  farewell.  At  7,  p.  m., 
we  crossed  the  bar,  and  discharged  our  pilot  at  the  Bahze.  As 
the  sun  sank  beneath  the  blue  waves,  the  men,  too,  seemed  to 
settle  down  in  a  quiet  contentment,  and  if  any  regretted  his  pa- 
triotic enthusiasm,  which  had  caused  him  to  enhst,  it  was  now  too 
late,  for  the  land  we  had  left  was  then  but  as  a  dim  cloud  in  the 
distance.  It  was  a  most  lovely  night.  The  sea  was  as  smooth  as 
a  mirror,  and  the  moon  never  looked  more  sweet  and  fascinating 
with  her  silvery  beams  dancing  on  the  ripp,yng  waters,  caused  by 
the  motion  of  our  boat,  which  was  a  mostyjehghtful  one,  and  sat 
on  the  waves  as  graceful  as  a  swan,  ^t  midnight  we  retired, 
many  of  the  officers  preferring  a  pallet  spread  on  deck,  to  a  state- 
room in  the  cabin. 

We  had  often  thought  what  must  have  been  the  glorious  splen- 
dours of  the  first  breaking  in  of  light  upon  the  world,  but  never 
did  we  fully  realize  the  conception,  until  the  morning  of  the  Gth. 
The  breaking  of  day  at  sea  is  certainly  one  of  nature's  grandest 
spectacles.  It  was  just  at  gray  dawn,  when  the  last  lingering 
stars  of  heaven  were  fading  from  sight,  caused  by  the  gradual 
rising  of  the  sun,  though  still  far  below  the  horizon,  that  the  edge 
of  the  blue  eastern  sky  became  beautifully  tinged  with  a  most 
dehcate  roseate  hue,  gradually  spreading  and  deepening  into  ver- 
milion ;  the  Hght  fleecy  clouds  assumed  a  softer  and  a  richer  glow, 
melting  by  degrees  as  the  sun  approached  nearer  the  surface,  into 
a  pale  golden  tinge,  which  extended  itself  along  the  encirchng 
edge  of  the  sky,  now  mellowing  into  a  brighter  golden  light,  as  the 
day-god  rose  in  all  his  gorgeous  brilliancy,  casting  a  veil  over  the 
soft  features  of  the  queen  of  night,  which  still  rode  high  in  mid- 
heaven. 

At  8,  A.  M.,  the  death  of  one  of  the  men  was  reported,  and  pre- 
parations were  made  for  a  burial  at  sea.  The  poor  fellow  was 
sewed  up  in  his  blanket,  which  served  as  his  winding  sheet ;  and 
being  ballasted  at  the  feet  with  round  shot  for  the  purpose  of  sink- 
ing him,  he  was  placed  on  a  plank  which  was  laid  half-way  across 
the  rail  of  the  ship,  and  as  his  companions  stood  around,  prayers 
were  read,  and  the  body  launched  into  the  deep.  This  cast  a 
gloom  over  the  men,  who  had  become  duly  sobered,  and  began  to 
understand  their  duties  and  positions.     In  the  afternoon  we  had 


BRAZOS    ST.    JAGO.  13 

fresh  breezes  with  light  squalls  of  rain.  At  night  the  officers 
amused  themselves  with  reading  and  playing  cards. 

Sunday,  the  7th,  was  a  delightful  day,  though  very  hot,  as  the 
thermometer  was  near  90°.  We  had  a  fine  bath-house  on  board, 
and  the  sea-bathing,  in  the  shape  of  shower-baths,  was  charming. 
Our  captain  caught  several  bonitas  and  dolphins,  which  were  a 
great  curiosity  to  those  who  had  never  seen  these  finny  tribes  of 
the  deep  before.  As  is  always  the  case  at  sea,  or  traveUing  in 
any  way,  but  more  especially  on  shipboard,  after  the  first  excite- 
ment wears  off'a  general  quiet  succeeds — each  one  seems  wrapped 
in  his  own  thoughts,  and,  consequently,  a  degree  of  monotony  pre- 
vails. 

At  daylight  on  the  next  day,  we  made  the  land,  which  was 
very  low  and  flat,  and  running  down  the  coast  until  we  came  to 
the  anchorage  ground,  off*  the  Brazos,  we  lay-to  for  a  pilot.  The 
scene  which  here  pret .  ated  itself  was  both  novel  and  exciting — 
innumerable  vessels  k  outside  of  the  Brazos,  whose  shallow  inlet 
did  not  permit  them  to  go  over  the  bar,  and  were  being  lightened 
of  their  cargoes  by  small  steamers.  To  the  left  lay  the  island  of 
Brazos  St.  Jago,  or  "  the  arms  of  St.  James,"  with  its  httle  hil- 
locks of  sand,  which  are  for  ever  shifting  and  changing  by  the 
tremendous  gales  of  wind  which  sweep  over  the  island,  while  to 
the  right  lay  a  long  narrow  bar  of  sand,  called  St.  Padre's  island, 
which  takes  its  name  from  the  fact  that  the  padre,  or  priest  of 
Matamoras,  once  owned  a  large  rancho  on  this  island,  some  thirty 
miles  from  Point  Isabel,  which  contained  some  30,000  head  of, 
cattle,  but  which  was  destroyed  by  the  Texians  during  their 
struggle  for  independence,  and  the  cattle  driven  off'  to  Corpus 
Christi.  Between  these  two  islands  hes  a  very  narrow  passage, 
or  inlet,  leading  into  a  beautiful  bay  which  washes  the  high  bluflJs 
of  Point  Isabel.  From  the  anchorage  outside,  is  plainly  visible 
the  masts  of  the  smaller  craft  within. 

The  passage  over  the  bar  and  through  the  inlet  is  rendered 
very  dangerous  from  a  tremendous  surf  and  ground  swell,  which 
rolls  in  from  the  sea.  A  pilot  soon  came  off*  to  us,  and  in  a  little 
while  we  were  in  the  midst  of  the  breakers  and  rollers.  Another 
vessel  was  coming  out  at  the  time,  and  while  nearing  each  other, 
as  each  rose  and  fell  with  the  sea,  a  collision  seemed  inevitable  ; 
but  we  passed  harmlessly  by,  and  soon  were  inside  of  the  bay, 
which  was  smooth  as  a  lake.  We  landed  on  the  shore  of  Brazos 
Island,  and  commenced  disembarking  the  troops,  and  making  pre- 
parations for  our  encampment.  We  pitched  our  tents  about  a 
mile  from  the  landing  towards  the  sea,  near  the  sand-hills,  beyond 
which  there  lies  one  of  the  most  beautiful  beaches  we  ever  saw. 
The  island  is  about  six  miles  long.     On  the  south-east  part  of  the 

3 


14  POINT   ISABEL. 

islaiidt  there  are  a  few  miserable  huts,  inhabited  by  a  Mexican 
family,  who  are  supported  by  a  large  flock  of  goats,  and  trading 
with  the  shipping,  &c.  There  were  once  two  tolerably  good 
ponds  of  fresh  water  on  the  island,  but  they  have  become  stag- 
nant and  dry.  The  only  means  of  obtaining  water  there,  was  by 
digging  wells  about  three  feet  deep  in  the  sand,  but  it  was  brack- 
ish and  unwholesome;  the  wells  dug  nearest  the  sea-shore,  how- 
ever, proved  the  best.  There  was  formerly  a  small  village  on 
this  island,  which  was  destroyed  by  a  hurricane  ;  and  the  sea 
making  a  complete  breach  over  it,  the  inhabitants  perished  with  it. 
There  are  several  legends  told,  how  that,  many  years  ago,  the 
island  was  the  rendezvous  of  a  gang  of  pirates,  who,  when  pur- 
sued, invariably  made  their  escape  through  this  dangerous  inlet, 
and  that  they  frequently  enticed  vessels  ashore,  which  had  drifted 
from  their  course,  by  means  of  false  lights.  At  the  head  of  the 
island,  or  the  north-west  part  of  it,  there  is  another  arm  of  the 
sea,  which  separates  it  from  the  mainland,  running  around  into 
the  bay,  called  the  Boca  Chica,  or  small  mouth.  It  is  about  fifty 
yards  wide,  and  is  generally  fordable,  though  not  deep  enough 
for  vessels  of  even  light  draught.  This  inlet,  with  that  of  the 
other  at  the  foot  of  the  island,  forms  "  the  arms  of  St.  James,"  from 
which  the  island  takes  its  name. 

After  the  morning  parade,  on  the  day  following,  we  went,  with 
several  other  officers  of  our  regiment  Avho  had  obtained  leave,  to 
visit  Point  Isabel,  which  is  about  three  miles  distant  from  the 
island.  For  this  purpose  we  chartered  a  neat  sail-boat,  and,  with 
a  fine  breeze,  we  soon  made  the  Point,  the  approach  to  which, 
however,  is  very  shoal.  The  bluff  here  is  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
feet  high  ;  and  the  first  thing  which  strikes  one  is  the  command- 
ing position,  overlooking  the  bay  and  harbour,  and  the  inclined 
plane,  receding  toAvards  the  interior,  giving  you  a  full  view  of  the 
country.  The  buildings  on  the  Point  are  composed  of  large, 
board  warehouses,  for  the  use  of  the  commissary  and  quartermas- 
ter's department,  hospitals  for  the  sick,  the  post-office,  and  quar- 
ters for  the  officers.  In  one  of  the  warehouses,  we  saw  the  cap- 
tured property  of  the  Mexicans,  taken  at  the  celebrated  battles  of  • 
the  8th  and  9th  of  May,  consisting  of  pack-saddles,  scopets,  lances, 
blankets,  and  camp  utensils.  There  were  no  Mexican  houses 
here,  having  been  burnt  by  the  Mexicans  when  Gen.  Taylor  first 
appeared  with  his  forces  near  this  place. 

•  Here  we  met  many  old  friends.  On  calling  on  the  brave  and 
lamented  Capt.  Page,  who  recognised  us  at  once,  he  motioned  us 
to  hand  him  a  slate  on  the  table,  and,  after  some  conversation,  he 
y>'TOte  on  it  that  "  it  was  a  dear-bought  honour,  and  that  he  should 
l>e  content  if  he  ever  reached  home."     Our  friends  pressing  us 


TEXIAN   WIT.  15 

to  stay  with  them,  we  made  a  "  night  of  it ;"  and'  as  they  had  all 
served  in  the  late  battles,  many  were  the  incidents  and  anecdotes 
with  which  we  were  entertained.  Lieut.  H.,  of  the  dragoons, 
who  was  the  soul  of  the  squad,  related  the  following : — A  Texas 
Ranger,  under  Walker,  who  had  gone  home  after  the  fight,  was 
relating  the  exploits  of  his  commander,  and  was  describing  the 
battles,  &c.,  to  a  crowd  of  friends,  w^hen  a  young  lad,  who  had 
been  an  attentive  listener,  his  face  brightening  up  with  enthusiasm, 
at  the  glowing  descriptions  of  the  narrator,  slapping  his  hand 
upon  his  thigh,  cried  out,  "  D — n  me  if  I  don't  go  to  the  w^ars." 
Attracted  by  this  speech,  the  Texian  turned  round  to  see  from 
whom  it  had  emanated,  and  discovering  the  author  of  it  to  be  a 
young  delicate-looking  lad,  said  to  him,  with  a  significant  look — 
"  Vou  go  to  the  wars  ! — hum — you  had  better  stay  at  home  !" 
"Yes,  me — why  not  me.^"  cried  the  lad,  indignantly  drawing 
himself  up  to  his  full  height.  "  Why,  thar  is  a  heap  to  do  out 
thar,  youngster,"  said  the  Texian,  "  which  you  mought  not  be 
able  to  do,  that's  all."  "  And  w^hat  have  you  done  ?"  said  the 
boy,  making  up  to  the  Texian,  who  stood  full  six  feet  in  stature. 
The  crowd  now  gathered  around,  anxiously  leaning  forward  to 
catch  the  reply  of  the  Texian,  for  the  boy's  question  was  thought 
a  poser.  "What  have  /done?"  said  the  Texian,  repeating  the 
question  several  times,  and  laying  much  stress  upon  the  pronoun 
I,  at  the  same  time  looking  much  confused  for  a  reply.  "  What 
have  /done  ? — Why,"  said  he,  "  I  have  done  more  than  you  will 
ever  do,  if  you  go."  "And  what  is  that?''''  said  the  still  indig- 
nant lad.  "Why,  Vve  got  back  safeT^  said  the  Texian,  with  a 
loud  laugh  of  triumph,  in  w^hich  the  crowd  joined. 

At  this  time  Point  Isabel  was  the  scene  of  great  activity.  Sup- 
plies were  daily  being  received,  and  wagon  trains  were  daily  de- 
parting with  an  escort  of  dragoons  for  Matamoras.  What  added  to 
the  singularity  of  the  bustling  scene,  was  the  gangs  of  piones,  or 
Mexican  serfs,  who  v\rere  employed  in  loading  teams,  and  bringing 
stores,  &c.,from  the  landing  to  the  w^arehouses.  Several  of  these 
poor  devils  were  pointed  out  to  us  as  having  been  engaged  in  the  late 
battles  ;  and  there  still  could  be  seen,  from  their  manner,  a  lurking 
disposition  for  revenge.  Our  flag  flaunted  on  the  breeze  from  the 
highest  eminence,  while  the  cannon  which  was  placed  around  Fort 
Polk,  commanding  the  bay  and  the  plain,  looked  very  significant. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  11th  instant,  on  returning  to  camp,  it 
was  reported  that  a  considerable  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  had 
been  discovered  on  the  main  land  near  the  Boca  Chica.  The 
report  was  communicated  to  Lieut.  Doubleday,  of  the  1st  artillery, 
who  was  in  the  command  of  a  small  detachment  of  United  States 
soldiers  on  the  island,  and  also  to  the  colonel  of  the  Kentucky 


16  A    FALSE   ALARM. 

"Legion,  which  had  lately  arrived.  Lieut.  D.  immediately  des- 
patched some  five  or  six  of  his  men  towards  the  Boca  Chica  as  a 
picket-guard,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  a  surprise,  and  to 
reconnoitre.  In  the  mean  time,  all  was  bustle,  excitement,  and 
commotion  in  camp  ;  cartridges  were  served  out  to  the  men,  and 
orders  issued  for  captains  of  companies  to  have  their  men  ready 
at  a  moment's  warning — the  signal  of  which  was  to  be  the  beat- 
ing of  the  long  roll  of  the  drum.  The  boys  were  in  a  glorious 
humour,  and  every  one  rejoiced  that  the  prospect  of  a  fight  was 
so  near  at  hand.  The  guard  was  doubled,  and  a  chain  of  senti- 
nels posted  along  the  hillocks  that  lined  the  sea-shore.  The 
Kentucky  Legion  also  posted  a  strong  picket-guard  about  two 
miles  from  camp,  and  every  preparation  was  made  to  give  the 
enemy  a  warm  reception.  All  continued  quiet  until  9,  p.  m., 
when  a  regular  came  running  into  our  camp  with  the  news  that 
the  bugles  of  the  enemy  had  been  heard  sounding  the  attack,  and 
that  they  were  already  approaching.  The  regular,  however, 
before  being  permitted  to  pass  into  our  hues,  was  first  hailed  by 
an  Irish  sentinel,  who  was  posted  on  one  of  the  hillocks,  and 
ordered  to  stand  and  give  the  countersign.  Upon  telling  his 
story,  however,  to  the  sentinel,  Pat  asked  him  how  many  the 
picket-guard  consisted  of;  and  being  told  about  fifty — "  Blood  and 
murder  !"  cried  Pat,  "  and  why  the  divil  didn't  you  stay  and 
drive  'em  back  ?"  "  But,"  said  the  regular,  "  I  was  ordered  to  in- 
form your  colonel  of  the  fact."  "  In  wid  ye,  then,"  cried  Pat, 
"and  see  that  ye's  hurry  out  with  the  countersign  after  ye's." 
On  the  colonel  being  informed  of  the  news,  the  long  roll  was  beat, 
and  the  regiment  formed  in  line  of  battle.  The  men  were  kept 
under  arms  for  three  or  four  hours,  but  no  farther  information  of 
the  enemy  coming  in,  they  were  dismissed  to  their  quarters. 

The  false  alarm  proceeded  from  some  of  our  men,  who  had 
been  out  hunting,  and  having  crossed  the  Boca  Chica,  they  saw 
a  large  drove  of  cattle  in  the  distance,  which  they  took  to  be. 
Mexican  cavalry ;  and  the  bugle  notes  which  the  regulars  heard, 
proceeded  from  an  instrument  played  on  board  of  one  of  the  ves- 
sels in  the  harbour,  the  occasional  notes  of  which  had  reached  the 
picket-guard.  After  parade,  next  morning,  the  regiment  was 
ordered  to  discharge  their  pieces  by  platoons,  the  report  of  which, 
at  a  distance,  sounded  like  artillery.  In  the  afternoon,  an  express 
arrived  from  Burita,  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  firing,  as  it  had 
produced  much  alarm  there ;  and  the  supposition  prevailed  that 
it  must  be  the  bombardment  of  Point  Isabel!  We,  in  return, 
were  seized  with  apprehensions,  but  the  mystery  was  soon  cleared 
up,  it  being  ascertained  that  we  were  the  cause  of  the  mischief, 
which  resulted  in  a  hearty  laugh. 


CAMP    AT   BRAZOS    ST.  JAGO.  If 


CHAPTER  II. 

Camp  at  Brazos  St.  Jago — Scenes  and  Incidents — Capture  of  a  Vessel  with 
■    contraband  Goods — The  Trial  and  Punishment  of  the  Offenders — The  Regi- 
ment moves  to  Burita — Arrival   at  the  Rio  Grande — Occurrences   of  tne 
March — Wreck  of  the  Steamer  Frontier — Description  of  Burita. 

The  weather  was  now  excessively  hot,  and  the  men  were  suf- 
fering- very  much  from  the  heat  and  the  brackish  water ;  several 
had  already  died  with  the  dysentery,  the  prevailing  disease  of  the 
climate.  The  nights,  however,  were  cool  and  delightful.  The 
only  real  pleasure  which  existed  on  the  island  was  the  fine  sea- 
bathing. On  the  sea-shore,  back  of  the  hills,  is  a  most  lovely 
beach,  where  the  waves  roll  in,  frequently  six  and  eight  feet  high. 
It  was  most  delightful  to  swim  out  a  hundred  ya.rds  or  so,  and 
then  ride  in  on  the  foaming  crest  of  the  waves.  The  men  bathed 
night  and  day,  which  was  most  conducive  to  their  health.  The 
shore  is  Hned  with  small  shells,  which  are  washed  up  by  the  sea, 
many  of  which  we  picked  up  for  their  beauty.  The  sea  view 
from  the  beach  by  moonhght  is  charming.  There  were  several 
vessels  of  war  and  merchantmen  riding  at  anchor  in  the  offing; 
and  as  they  rose  and  fell  with  the  waves,  they  seemed  like  things 
of  life.  The  billows  sparkling  with  phosphoric  light,  and  beam- 
ing with  the  rays  of  the  moon,  formed  a  starry  heaven  below ; 
and  as  they  rolled  upon  the  shore,  receding  with  a  murmuring 
sound,  made  a  sweet  and  plaintive  music  for  the  ear.  The  view 
of  the  encampment,  from  the  hills,  presented  a  very  fine  appear- 
ance, as  the  number  of  tents  had  been  augmented  by  the  arrival 
of  the  Alabama  battalion,  the  long  lines  of  which,  with  the  officers' 
markees  in  the  rear,  had  a  very  fine  effect. 

To  prevent  intemperance,  whisky  and  all  spirituous  liquors  were 
declared  contraband,  and  not  permitted  to  be  sold  to  the  men. 
Notwithstanding,  the  soldiers  frequently  got  drunk,  and  it  could 
not  be  discovered  whence  the  liquor  came.  Our  energetic  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, however,  determined  to  ferret  it  out.  So,  watching 
two  of  the  men,  one  day,  he  followed  them  to  the  foot  of  the  island, 
where,  back  of  the  hills,  on  the  beach,  lay  a  small  lugger,  which 
contained  two  men,  and  several  barrels  of  liquor,  which  they  had 
been  selling  to  the  soldiers  at  one  dollar  a  pint !  Lieut.  Col.  Peck, 
on  making  this  discovery,  returned  back  to  camp,  and  at  night  pro- 
ceeded with  a  detachment  of  soldiers  down  to  the  beach,  captured 
the  vessel  and  contents,  and  made  the  two  men  prisoners,  who  sur- 
rendered without  resistance,  though  their  boat  was  found  to  be  well 

2* 


18  PUNISHMENT    OF    SMUGGLER?. 

arme(f.  The  next  day  a  drum-head  court-martial  was  held,  and 
they  were  condemned  and  sentenced  to  be  rode  on  a  rail,  and  then 
to  leave  the  island  in  one  hour  afterwards.  The  men  were  either 
Spaniards  or  Italians,  and  two  more  cut-throat  looking  dogs  we 
never  saw.  In  default  of  a  rail,  however,  a  plank  was  procured, 
and  they  were  bound,  and  made  to  straddle  the  edge  of  it ;  a  file 
of  soldiers  escorted  them  on  either  side,  while  the  music  in  the  rear 
struck  up  the  "  rogue's  march,"  and  thus,  to  the  evident  dehght 
of  the  men,  they  were  drummed  out  of  camp,  and  escorted  down 
to  their  vessel.  They  bore  their  punishment  with  the  most  sulky 
indifference.  But  as  an  Irishman  was  heard  to  exclaim  after- 
wards— "  If  ye  only  knew  how  those  thieves  of  the  world  was 
cursing  on  ye's  now,  it  would  make  ye  say  yer  prayers." 

We  had  now  been  on  the  island  some  ten  days,  and  the  men 
were  becoming  very  much  dissatisfied,  and  anxious  to  march  to 
some  more  agreeable  position  for  health,  as  well  as  comfort.  The 
island  was  truly  a  most  dreary  and  disagreeable  place,  and  equally 
as  bad  as  the  Great  Sahara  desert,  for  whenever  it  blew  a  gale  of 
wind  at  night,  we  would  find  ourselves  next  morning  completely 
covered  with  sand,  w^hich  w^ould  drift  in  clouds  before  the  wind, 
and  sweep  into  our  tents. 

On  the  19th,  the  long  looked-for  orders  arrived,  and  we  struck 
tents  for  Burita.  As  we  had  no  baggage  wagons,  the  quarter- 
master furnished  transportation  for  our  camp  equipage  by  the 
steamer  Frontier,  which  Avas  to  go  round  by  the  mouth  of  the  Rio 
Grande.  The  troops  took  up  the  line  of  march  along  the  shore 
until  we  reached  the  Boca  Chica,  four  miles  from  camp,  and  ^vhich 
w^e  crossed  without  difficulty.  We  then  continued  on,  still  keep- 
ing the  shore,  until  we  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
which  is  five  miles  from  the  Boca  Chica.  The  day  was  intensely 
hot,  and  the  men  frequently  had  to  stop  and  rest,  the  burning  sand 
blistering  their  feet,  which  made  the  march  extremely  fatiguing. 
Once  at  the  mouth,  however,  we  w^ere  repaid  for  all  our  sufTerings. 
The  fresh,  cool  water  of  the  Rio  Bravo  was  most  grateful  in 
quenching  our  thirst.  Green  fields  met  the  eye,  which  were  ren- 
dered more  pleasing  from  our  long  detention  on  the  desert  island ; 
and  the  neat  little  rancho  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  fur- 
nished us  with  a  supply  of  fruit,  milk,  and  tortillas,  or  flat  corn 
cakes  baked  on  stone. 

The  steamer,  which  was  deeply  laden  with  military  stores  and 
our  baggage,  was  now  seen  slowly  coming  round  the  coast,  though 
evidently  labouring  very  much,  for  there  was  a  heavy  sea  on,  it 
blowing  very  fresh  at  the  time.  On  nearing  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  she  struck  on  the  bar  in  the  midst  of  the  breakers.  Two 
launches  were  soon  despatched  to  her  assistance,  and  the  sick  sol- 


DEATH  OF  A  VOLUNTEER.  19^ 

diers  taken  off,  with  the  camp  women  of  the  regiment.  Th^  gale 
increasing,  the  sea  made  a  complete  breach  over  her,  and  it  was 
feared  that  she  would  soon  become  a  wreck.  The  main  body  of 
the  regiment,  however,  crossed  the  river,  and  moved  on  towards 
their  place  of  destination,  a  detachment  having  been  left  with  an 
officer,  to  secure  the  baggage,  should  the  boat  last  till  morning. 
The  detachment  took  up  their  quarters  for  the  night,  on  board  the 
steamer  "  Sea,"  which  was  lying  in  the  river,  about  a  hundred 
yards  from  the  mouth,  and  which  was  to  convey  them  to  Burita. 
As  night  set  in,  the  rain  fell  in  torrents.  About  9,  p.  m.,  one  of 
the  sick  volunteers,  who  had  received  the  attention  of  our  surgeon, 
expired.  The  scene  which  now  presented  itself  in  the  cabin  was 
one  of  strange  novelty.  The  corpse  had  been  laid  out  on  one  side 
of  the  cabin,  and  many  were  standing  around  to  look  at  the  fea- 
tures of  the  dead  man,  and  as  their  gaze  became  satisfied,  would 
walk  moodily  off,  filled  with  the  awe  of  death.  A  general  gloom 
prevailed  among  the  passengers,  and  many  seemed  wrapped  in  the 
thought  how  soon  their  time  might  come.  To  add  to  these  melan- 
choly reflections,  the  rain  was  pattering  down  on  the  hurricane 
roof;  and  as  the  winds  howled  without,  the  moans  of  the  surf 
joined  in  the  lament,  as  if  bewaihng  the  loss  of  the  spirit  that  had 
fled.  A  man  soon  after  entered  the  cabin,  and  surveying  the  scene 
around,  took  a  seat  on  the  dining-table,  and  after  commencing  a 
conversation  with  a  person  who  sat  near,  he  gave  a  yawn,  and 
throwing  himself  back  until  he  rested  on  his  elbow,  said :  "  You 
will  all  d — ^n  soon  get  used  to  such  scenes,  after  you've  been  a  little 
longer  in  the  service.  Why,"  said  he,  "  after  the  battle  of  the 
9th,  we  had  been  hard  at  work  burying  the  dead,  when  coming 
across  a  feJlow  that  had  on  a  better  pair  of  boots  than  I  had,  we 
exchanged  ;  and,  after  drinking  the  contents  of  his  canteen,  I  made 
a  pillow  of  the  corpse,  and  never  slept  sounder  in  my  life."  This, 
with  other  equally  refined  and  feeling  remarks,  embeUished  with 
coarse  oaths,  grated  harshly  on  the  ear  of  the  sensitive,  in  presence 
of  the  dead. 

The  storm  had  now  somewhat  abated,  and  the  signal  Hghts  of 
the  "  Frontier"  could  still  plainly  be  seen,  while  many  thought  she 
was  sending  up  rockets  as  a  sign  of  distress,  the  captain  and 
crew  being  still  on  board.  It  was  left  for  morning  to  tell  the  tale 
of  her  Avreck,  for  at  day  fight  she  went  to  pieces,  and  every  thing 
that  would  float  was  washed  ashore  with  the  surf.  She  had  drifted 
in  during  the  night,  and  now  lay  within  fifty  yards  of  the  beach. 
The  men  waded  out  to  her,  and  succeeded  in  saving  nearly  every 
thing  from  the  wreck,  which  was  placed  on  board  the  steamer 
"  Sea."  In  the  mean  time,  preparations  had  been  made  to  bury 
the  deceased  volunteer.     There  were  no  boards  to  make  a  coffin, 


20  DESCRIPTION    OF   BURITA. 

and  so  they  wrapped  his  blanket  around  him,  and  carrying  him  on 
a  bier,  they  marched  to  a  high  piece  of  ground,  where  his  grave 
had  been  dug,  and  after  firing  a  volley  over  him,  a  rude  cross  was 
placed  in  the  earth  to  mark  the  spot.  Many  were  heard  to  exclaim  : 
"  It  is  a  pity  he  had  not  fallen  on  the  battle-field."  And  yet  it  is 
hard  to  say  whether  the  poor  fellow  would  have  gained  more  glory » 
A  soldier  enlists  for  the  chances  of  death,  though  few  who  do  so 
think  of  it  at  the  time.  And  yet  just  as  much  honour,  gratitude, 
and  respect  is  due,  whether  he  falls  on  the  battle-field  or  not,  so 
long  as  he  dies  in  the  service  of  his  country. 

Having  become  tired  of  the  monotony  of  camp  life,  and  dissatis- 
fied with  the  commander  of  our  regiment,  we  had  previously 
resigned  our  position  as  adjutant,  and  determined  to  proceed  to 
Matamoras,  and  join  the  scouting  company  of  Captain  McCulloch's 
Texas  Rangers,  who,  we  were  told,  were  kept  constantly  in  active 
service.  The  steamer  "  Sea"  was  to  leave  for  Burita,  in  the  after- 
noon ;  but  having  a  fine  horse  with  us,  we  preferred  going  up  by 
land  ;  and  so,  at  10,  a.  m.,  on  the  morning  of  the  20th,  in  company 
with  several  other  officers,  we  crossed  the  Rio  Grande,  and  rode 
along  some  three  or  four  miles,  through  a  very  low  country,  which 
the  late  rains  had  made  both  wet  and  muddy,  the  road  in  places 
being  covered  with  water,  until  we  came  to  a  large  lake  on  the 
left,  with  the  river  on  our  right.  Here  the  country  commenced 
rising,  until  the  chaparral  grew  quite  thick.  At  12,  m.,  we  arrived 
at  the  little  town  of  Burita,  which  is  the  first  regular  settlement 
after  you  leave  the  mouth.  It  is  situated  on  a  ridge  of  rising 
ground,  on  a  bend  of  the  Rio  Grande.  It  is  nothing  more,  in  fact, 
than  a  miserable  rancho,  composed  of  some  fifty  huts,  made  of 
logs,  mud,  and  cane.  From  its  elevated  position,  you  have  a  fine  view 
of  the  surrounding  country,  and  its  situation  is  commanding.  The 
place  was  full  of  volunteers,  and  several  of  the  huts  contained  Mexi- 
can families  of  the  poorest  class.  Every  thing  was  in  the  greatest 
confusion,  and  in  consequence  of  the  camp  equipage  not  having 
arrived,  the  men  had  to  sleep  on  the  ground,  while  the  officers 
sought  the  deserted  huts.  The  place  was  intrenched,  and  a 
breastwork  thrown  up  for  its  defence.  The  5th  Louisiana  regi- 
ment was  encamped  on  the  ridge,  about  two  miles  from  this  place, 
and  many  of  the  officers  came  in  to  see  us.  On  entering  one  of 
the  huts,  we  saw  a  Mexican  woman  employed  cooking  tortillas, 
on  a  heated  flat  stone,  which  she  used  as  a  griddle.  A  couple  of 
naked  children  were  playing  in  a  corner  of  the  hovel,  the  furni- 
ture of  which  consisted  of  a  rude  bench,  a  couj^le  of  stools,  a  ran- 
chero's  saddle  and  bridle,  and  a  few  cooking  utensils, — their  beds 
consisting  of  raw  hides  and  blankets.  Here  we  procured  a  tole- 
rable cup  of  coffee  and  some  tortillas,  of  which,  from  the  strong 


DEPARTURE   FOR   MATAMORAS.  21 

taste  of  tallow,  a  single  mouthful  proved  sufficient.  The  woman 
looked  much  distressed  at  our  rejection  of  her  cookery,  for  fear, 
perhaps,  that  we  might  demand  back  a  portion  of  the  quarter  we 
had  given  her ;  and  taking  up  the  cake  and  biting  it,  and  then 
dividing  it  between  the  two  children,  to  re-assure  us,  said,  "  Si,  si, 
seiior,  este  mucho  bueno." 

The  volunteers  were  delighted  with  their  new  position,  and  the 
change  of  scene.  That  night  might  have  been  heard  many  a  song 
and  wild  laugh  of  glee,  which  told  of  the  revelry  which  prevailed 
in  camp. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Camp  of  the  5th  Louisiana  Regiment — Departure  for  Matamoras — Incidents 
of  the  Road — Description  of  Matamoras,  &c. — Capt.  McCulloch — Camp  of 
the  Regulars — Scenes  and  Anecdotes — The  Camp  of  the  Rangers — The 
Fourth  of  July — Incidents — The  old  French  Baker — His  Garden — A  Wed- 
ding— The  Fandango. 

The  next  day  we  visited  the  camp  of  the  5th  regiment  of  Loui- 
siana Volunteers,  and  were  kindJy  received  by  Col.  Peyton  and 
other  officers.  The  situation  of  the  encampment,  being  high  on 
the  ridge,  was  extremely  pleasant ;  and  having  plenty  of  good 
water,  the  troops  were  very  healthy.  We  had  intended  to  pro- 
ceed on  alone  to  Matamoras,  which  was  eighteen  miles  distant,  but 
being  advised  that  rancheros  infested  the  road,  and  that  it  was  not 
safe,  we  determined  to  remain  for  a  party  who  were  going  up  the 
next  day.  Meeting  many  friends,  we  spent  a  delightful  evening ; 
it  was  a  fine  moonlight  night,  and  the  scene  around  was  wild  and 
picturesque. 

Our  party  started  after  breakfast  on  the  22d ;  and  after  riding 
about  three  leagues,  we  stopped  at  the  house  of  a  Mexican,  who 
had  cakes  and  fruit  to  sell,  and  partook  of  some  refreshment. 
We  found  the  house  very  neat  and  clean,  and  the  females  well- 
looking.  There  was  a  very  pretty  child  standing  by  the  door, 
who  seemed  to  take  great  pleasure  in  our  company  ;  approaching 
us  familiarly,  and  looking  up  with  his  bright  eyes,  he  said, 
"  .Americanos  mucho  bueno.^^  After  proceeding  a  short  distance, 
we  fell  in  with  a  party  of  Mexicans,  who  said  they  were  out 
hunting  cattle.  Five  leagues  distant,  we  came  to  another  farm- 
house, and  on  dismounting,  we  found  it  only  occupied  by  a  wo- 
man and  her  child.  The  house  contained  wax  images  of  the 
Saviour  and  the  saints,  with  many  crosses  hung  about  the  walls, 
which  she  seemed  to  take  pleasure  in  showing  us.     Here  we  ate 


2§ 


DESCRIPTION    OF   ^lATAMORAS. 


some  very  fine  melons,  and,  after  recompensing  the  woman,  pro- 
ceeded on  our  road,  which  was  very  muddy  and  disagreeable. 
A  Mexican  shortly  after  overtook  us,  who  told  us  he  was  going 
to  Matamoras.     In  passing  a  large  cross  put  up  at  one  side  of  the 
road,  he  replied  to  our  inquiry  that  it  was  for  a  murder  which  had 
been  committed  there.     The  fellow  appeared  very  shrewd  and 
cunning,  and  spoke  a  little  EngHsh  ;  so  we  determined  to  keep  a 
look  out  for  him,  but  he  made  some  excuse  to  lag  behind,  and 
soon  after  gave  us  the  slip.     We  were  now  about  five  miles  from 
the  town,  and  passed  some  very  fine  houses,  with  gardens  laid  off, 
and  improvements  indicating  more  civilization  than  we  had  yet 
seen.     They  were  perfectly  deserted,  however,  the  proprietors 
having  left  on  account  of  the  war.     We  soon  discovered  the  town 
in  the  distance,  where  we  arrived  at  3,  p.  m.     The  entrance  to 
the  town,  by  narrow,  dirty  streets,  was  not  very  prepossessing  ; 
but  then,  any  thing  like  a  town  was  a  great  rehef  to  us,  and  as 
we  gained  the  main  plaza,  we  became  more  reconciled.     On  the 
south-east  side  of  the  plaza  stands  the  cathedral,  an  old  ungainly 
building,  still  unfinished,  as  most  of  the  churches  are  in  Mexico 
— an  excuse,  it  is  said,  for  the  priests  to  extort  money  for  their 
completion,  which  seldom  takes  place.     The  houses  which  line 
the   other   sides  of  the  square   are    generally  two   stories   high 
and  well  built.     In  another  square  is  a  small  chapel  called  La 
Capilla,  and  which,  we  were  told,  was  the  more  "  fashionable" 
church  of  the  two.     In  all  the  churches  are  wax  figures,  repre- 
senting "the  crucifixion"  and  the   "Virgin  Mary."     The    fur- 
niture of  the  churches  is  very  poor.     The  houses  of  the  poorer 
classes  are  one-story  huts,  built  of  stone  and  mud,  and  thatched 
with  cane.      The   houses   which   are  built  of  stone   and   brick 
have  balconies  in  front,  and  the  windows  below  are   all  barred 
with  iron  railings,  as  is  the  case  with  the  houses  in  the  West 
Indies  and  South  America.     The  streets  are  very  narrow,  and 
partly  paved.     There  were  but  few  families  of  class  in  town, 
—and  what  principally  struck  us  was  the  shops  and  stores  being 
occupied  by  Mexicans,  who  were  still  carrying  on  their  trades,  as 
if  nothing  had  happened  to  interrupt  them.     In  fact  they  were 
doing  a  brisker  business  than  ever.     The  Mexican  barracks  and 
hospital  are  large  and  well  built ;  and  the  latter  contained  the 
wounded  of  the  late  battles.     It  was  a  most  sorrowful  sight  to  see 
the  pale  and  haggard  countenances  of  the  wounded  Mexicans,  as 
they  lay  stretched  out  on  the  pallets  which  lined  the  sides  of  the 
rooms.     A  stalwart  looking  man  was  reclining  on  his  elbow,  with 
his  head  resting  on  his  hand,  having  a  fierce  moustache,  and  who 
was  pointed  out  to  me  by  the  Mexican  medico,  or  surgeon,  as 
having  belonged  to  the  "  Guarda  Costa"  of  the  Tampico  regiment, 


^ . '  • 


Captain  McCuUoch,  from  a  Daguerreotype  by  J.  McGuire, 
New  Orleans. 


CAPTAIN  Mcculloch.  23 

which,  it  may  be  remembered,  fought  so  bravely,  and  was  almost 
entirely  cut  up.  The  market-house  is  very  poor,  and  the  princi- 
pal houses  which  surround  it  are  grog-shops  and  groceries. 
There  were  several  public  houses  opened,  with  bilhard  rooms, 
and  a  great  deal  of  gambling  going  on.  The  population  of  Mata- 
moras  is  about  4000. 

The  next  day,  in  company  with  some  officers  of  the  army,  we 
called  on  the  American  consul,  Mr.  Schatzel,  who  has  been  resid- 
ing here  for  a  great  many  years.  He  treated  us  very  hospitably, 
and  said  he  should  always  be  glad  to  see  us.  We  then  visited 
the  late  quarters  of  Generals  Arista  and  Ampudia,  Avhich  were 
nothing  more  than  clever  buildings,  though  finely  fitted  up  inside, 
and  now  occupied  by  the  departments  of  our  army.  Returning, 
we  met  Mr.  Kendall,  of  the  Picayune,  who  introduced  us  to 
Capt.  Benjamin  McCulloch,  the  celebrated  partisan  scout.  Capt. 
McCulloch  is  a  man  of  rather  delicate  frame,  of  about  five  feet  ten 
inches  in  height,  with  light  hair  and  complexion.  His  features 
are  regular  and  pleasing,  though,  from  long  exposure  on  the  fron- 
tier, they  have  a  weather-beaten  cast.  His  quick  and  bright  blue 
eye,  with  a  mouth  of  thin  compressed  lips,  indicate  the  cool,  cal- 
culating, as  well  as  the  brave  and  daring  energy  of  the  man. 
Being  told  that  we  were  anxious  to  join  his  company,  after  run- 
ning his  eye  over  us,  he  asked,  "Have  you  a  good  /iorse,  sir? 
for,"  said  he,  "  I  have  refused  a  great  many  because  their  horses 
would  not  do  for  our  service."  Our  horse  was  then  inspected, 
and  being  pronounced  "a  good  horse,"  we  were  immediately 
made  a  "  Texas  Ranger."  Capt.  McCulloch  had  just  come  in 
from  a  scout  towards  Linares,  and  a  detachment  of  his  company 
had  been  left  at  Reynoso,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  McMul- 
len ;  and  it  was  expected  that  we  would  move  up  to  Reynoso  in 
a  few  days. 

Benjamin  McCulloch  was  born  in  Rutherford  county,  state  of 
Tennessee,  about  the  year  1814.  His  father,  Alexander  McCul- 
loch, was  aid-de-camp  to  General  Coffee,  and  fought  under  Gen. 
Jackson  at  the  battles  of  Talladega,  Tallahassee,  and  Horse-shoe, 
during  the  Creek  war.  While  McCulloch  was  very  young,  his 
father  emigrated  to  Alabama,  and  Benjamin  was  sent  back  to 
Tenno'^see  to  schol,  where  he  remained  until  he  was  about  fourteen 
years  cJd.  Shortly  after,  however,  his  father  moved  back  to  the 
western  district  of  Tennessee,  and  settled  in  Dyer  county.  There, 
Ben  was  kept  hunting  until  he  was  near  twenty-one.  At  that 
time  the  bears  were  so  bad  that  hogs  could  not  be  raised  on  their 
account,  and  the  settlers  principally  depended  upon  bear-meat  for 
subsistence.  In  those  days,  if  a  man's  gun  snapped,  he  lost  his 
breakfast,  for  hunting  bears  in  the  cane  requires  much  caution. 


u 


CAPTAIN  Mcculloch. 


McCulloch,  however,  generally  killed  as  many  as  eighty  bears 
in  the  course  of  a  season,  and  never  less  than  twenty  during  a 
winter. 

When  about  twenty-one,  being  fond  of  a  life  of  adventure,  he 
determined  to  go  on  an  expedition  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and 
left  his  home  for  St.  Louis,  to  join  a  company  of  trappers ;  but 
arriving  too  late  he  was  disappointed,  when  he  tried  to  get  in  with  a 
party  of  Santa  Fe  traders ;  in  this  he  likewise  failed,  the  complement 
of  men  having  been  made  up.  He  then  visited  the  lead  mines 
m  Wisconsin  territory,  and  remained  during  the  summer  at  Dodge- 
ville. 

In  September,  McCulloch  returned  home,  and  soon  after  his 
arrival,  called  on  Colonel  David  Crockett,  who  was  making  up  an 
expedition  to  go  to  Texas,  to  take  part  in  the  revolution  that  had 
then  broken  out  in  Mexico  ;  the  whole  south-west  at  that  time  was 
alive  with  feehngs  of  sympathy  for  the  Texians,  and  were  daily 
flocking  to  their  standard.  McCulloch  agreed  to  accompany  Colo- 
nel Crockett  to  Texas.  Nacogdoches  had  been  appointed  the 
place  of  rendezvous  from  which  the  expedition  was  to  start,  and 
the  Christmas  of  1835  was  named  the  day  for  the  meeting — when, 
as  "  old  Davy"  said,  they  were  to  make  their  Christmas  dinner 
off  the  hump  of  a  buffalo  !  Unfortunately,  however,  McCulloch 
did  not  arrive  until  early  in  January,  and  finding  the  party  was 
gone,  he  proceeded  on  by  himself  to  the  river  Brazos,  where  he 
was  taken  very  ill,  and  did  not  recover  until  after  the  fall  of  the 
Alamo.  McCulloch's  disappointment  was  very  great  at  not  being 
able  to  join  the  gallant  band  of  patriots  at  the  time,  but  which 
afterwards  proved  very  fortunate  for  him  ;  for  Colonel  Travis, 
after  having  sustained  a  siege  for  thirteen  days  with  only  one 
hundred  and  eighty  Texians  against  Santa  Anna's  army,  fell  with 
his  brave  little  band,  having  previously  killed  nine  hundred  of  the 
enemy! 

After  his  recovery,  he  descended  the  Brazos  river  in  a  boat  to 
Gross  Plant,  where  the  Texian  army  had  assembled  under  General 
Houston,  and  was  induced  to  join  the  artillery  by  their  making 
him  captain  of  a  gun.  This  he  gallantly  served  at  the  battle  of 
San  Jacinto,  where  Santa  Anna  was  made  prisoner,  and  his  army 
of  1500  killed  or  captured. 

McCulloch  settled  in  Gonzales  county,  and  was  afterwards  em- 
ployed on  the  frontier  of  Texas,  in  surveying  and  locating  lands, 
and  serving  in  the  wild  border  scouts  against  the  Indians  and 
Mexicans,  which  service  he  entered  before  the  celebrated  Hays. 
He  also  distinguished  himself  in  a  fight  with  the  Indians,  who 
burnt  Linnville,  called  the  battle  of  Plum  Creek.  He  was  fike- 
wise  at  the  taking  of  Mier,  but  not  agreeing  with  the  plans  of  the 


CAMP    OF    THE    REGULARjJ,  ,.  >  25 

expedition  afterwards,  he  returned  home  before  the  fight,  and  thus 
escaped  from  the  cruel  hardships  and  imprisonment  of  that  com- 
mand, which  had  surrendered  to  the  perfidious  Ampudia.  He 
was  in  almost  all  the  expeditions  of  the  time,  and  engaged  in 
nearly  all  of  the  fights.  The  following  pages  give  to  the  reader 
the  continuation  of  the  exploits  of  this  daring  partisan. 

The  regulars  were  encamped  along  the  banks  of  the  river, 
which  here  makes  a  circling  bend,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  town;  while  opposite,  from  Fort  Brown  upwards,  was  the 
encampment  of  the  first  brigade  of  the  Louisiana  Volunteers. 
The  long  lines  of  tents  on  each  side  of  the  river  looked  most 
beautiful ;  it  was  a  new  scene  to  us,  as  we  had  never  beheld  such 
a  large  encampment.  There  are  too  very  good  ferries  across  the 
river — flat  boats — one  near  Fort  Brown,  and  the  other  above,  op- 
posite Fort  Paredes,  on  the  Matamoras  side.  The  evening  parades 
of  the  companies  of  the  different  regiments  made  a  fine  display. 
The  bands  of  the  regiments  generally  played  until  tattoo,  the  music 
of  w^hich  produced  the  most  delightful  sensations,  being  so  near 
the  water.  The  battle-fields  of  "Palo  Alto"  and  "  Resaca  de  la 
Palma"  were  still  fresh,  and  the  incidents  green  in  the  memory 
of  the  ofiicers,  and  many  were  the  interesting  stories  which  were 
related  to  us,  as  having  occurred  at  the  time.     On  spending  a 

night  with  the  officers  of  the  5th  regiment.  Captain  C told 

the  following  story  of  Captain,  now  Lieut.  Col.  Martin  Scott : 
"As  you  well  know,"  said  he,  "  Scott  never  was  without  his  fa- 
vourite dogs  ;  and  as  we  were  ordered  to  charge  the  battery  in 
command  of  Gen.  de  la  Vega,  which  the  dragoons  had  been  re- 
pulsed at,  our  adjutant  having  first  volunteered  the  services  of  the 
regiment  to  do  so,  we  rushed  up  to  sustain  them,  and  drove  the 
enemy  back  by  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  from  retaking  the  guns — 
here  it  was  that  the  brave  Lieut.  Col.  Mcintosh  received  three 
bayonet  wounds — we  were  already  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy's 
guns,  and  sustained  the  gallant  charge  which  Captain  May  had 
been  ordered  to  make."     "  As  we  were  charging  the  enemy," 

said  Captain  C ,  "  I  discovered  the   dogs  behind  me,  who, 

hearing  the  wild  shouts  of  Capt.  Scott,  thought  that  he  was  after 
game,  when  running  ahead,  they  let  out  in  full  blast,  and  were 
close  on  to  the  heels  of  the  Mexicans,  when  one  of  them  was  un- 
fortunately shot  by  the  enemy."  It  was  a  delightful  evening — the 
band  of  the  5th  was  playing  some  soul-stirring  airs — and  among 
the  rest  was,  "  Love  not," — the  stars  never  shone  brighter  in  a 
heaven  so  sweetly  blue,  and  save  the  occasional  challenge  of  the 
sentinels,  all  was  a  quiet  of  sweet  repose. 

The  1st  of  July  was  a  beautiful  clear  day;  we  had  had  very 
heavy  rains  for  the  last  week — and  to  see  a  bright  day  once  more 

3 


26  CAMP  OF  THE  TEXAS  RANGERS. 

was  a  great  relief  to  us  all.  In  the  morning,  we  rode  up  to  Fort 
Paredes,  which  was  now  garrisoned  by  our  troops,  and  crossed  the 
river,  then  taking  a  winding  path  along  the  banks  of  the  opposite 
shore,  through  cornfields,  we  arrived  at  last  at  the  camp  of  the 
"  Rangers."  Here  was  a  scene  worthy  of  the  pencil.  Men  in 
groups  with  long  beards  and  moustaches,  dressed  in  every  variety 
of  garment,  Avith  one  exception,  the  slouched  hat,  the  unmistaka- 
ble uniform  of  a  Texas  Ranger,  and  a  belt  of  pistols  around  their 
waists,  were  occupied  drying  their  blankets,  cleaning  and  fixing 
their  guns,  and  some  employed  cooking  at  different  fires,  while 
others  were  grooming  their  horses.  A  rougher  looking  set  we 
never  saw.  They  were  without  tents,  and  a  miserable  shed  af- 
forded them  the  only  shelter.  Capt.  McCulloch  introduced  us  to 
his  officers,  and  many  of  his  men,  who  appeared  an  orderly  and 
well-mannered  people.  But  from  their  rough  exterior  it  was  hard 
to  tell  who  or  what  they  were.  Notwithstanding  their  ferocious 
and  outlaw  look,  there  were  among  them  doctors  and  lawyers, 
and  many  a  college  graduate.  While  standing  in  the  midst  of  a 
group,  talking  to  the  captain,  a  young  fellow  came  into  camp  with 
a  rifle  on  his  shoulder,  and  a  couple  of  ducks  in  his  hand,  and 
addressing  the  captain,  said,  "  Ben,  if  you  hav'nt  had  dinner, 
you'd  better  mess  with  me,  for  I  know  none  of  the  rest  have  fresh 
grub  to-day."  After  an  invitation  to  stay  to  dinner,  we  were  in- 
formed that  the  company  would  move  up  to  Reynoso  in  a  day  or 
two,  and  were  told  to  prepare  to  go  with  it.  So,  riding  back  to  our 
quarters,  we  were  filled  with  the  thought  of  the  wild  exciting  life 
we  were  soon  about  to  lead. 

On  the  4th  of  July,  the  day  broke  with  all  the  glory  and  splen- 
dour worthy  of  the  commemoration  of  A  merican  liberty.  A  national 
salute  was  fired  at  sunrise,  noon,  and  sunset,  from  the  difTerent 
batteries,  in  honour  of  the  day ;  and  as  peal  after  peal  of  cannon 
burst  upon  the  air,  the  reverberation  seemed  to  echo  across  the 
plains  of  Mexico  the  shout  of  liberty.  The  soldiers  of  the  late 
battles  felt  as  it  were  a  congeniality  of  feeling  with  our  forefathers, 
only  that  they  were  freemen,  but  fighting  to  free  the  slaves  and 
serfs  of  Mexico  from  the  hands  of  tyrants  and  oppressors,  as  well 
as  to  avenge  the  insult  to  our  national  honour.  The  "  stars  and 
stripes '  waved  on  high  from  the  surrounding  battlements,  and 
the  plazas  of  Matamoras;  and  the  Mexicans  themselves  joined  in 
the  gladness  of  freedom's  anniversary.  This  was  the  first  time 
of  such  an  occurrence  in  a  foreign,  as  well  as  an  enemy's  country. 
The  volunteers  gave  a  sumptuous  dinner,  in  honour  of  the  day. 
Night  closed  the  day  of  festivity  with  a  fandango,  given  by  the 
Mexican  ladies,  and  many  an  impression  was  made  by  the  Ameri- 
can cavaliers  upon  the  dark-eyed  daughters  of  Mexico.  .^^ 


THE   FRENCH   BAKER.  27 

The  next  day,  our  company  left  for  Reynoso,  but  lying  ill  at 
the  time,  we  were  prevented  from  accompanying-  it.  In  a  few 
days  after,  our  first-lieutenant,  John  McMullen,  came  down  with 
despatches,  and  in  the  mean  time  the  river  having  risen  very 
high,  from  the  recent  heavy  rains  overflowing  the  banks,  the 
roads  were  rendered  impassable.  Steamers  now,  however,  were 
actively  employed  in  transporting  military  and  commissary  stores 
to  Comargo,  which  had  lately  been  garrisoned  by  a  part  of  the 
troops  of  the  second  division,  and  we  would  thus  be  enabled  to  go 
up  by  the  river.  Calling  on  the  commanding  general  soon  after  our 
recovery,  to  ascertain  the  chances  of  transportation,  he  remarked, 
after  some  pleasant  conversation,  that  he  was  perfectly  deluged 
with  letters,  and  that  much  of  his  time  was  occupied  in  making 
replies.  "  And,  sir,"  said  Gen.  Taylor,  smiling,  as  he  handed  us 
two  letters,  "  to  show  you  the  diversity  of  subjects  that  I  am  called 
upon  to  respond  to,  you  may  look  at  these."  One  of  the  letters 
was  from  a  boy,  fourteen  years  of  age,  giving  a  sort  of  history  of 
himself  and  family,  and  who  desired  to  enhst  in  the  service,  and 
had  written  to  the  general  to  ask  his  advice  on  the  subject !  The 
other  Avas  from  an  Irish  woman,  who  wanted  to  know  if  her  son 
Mike  was  killed,  as  she  had  not  heard  from  him  since  the  late 
battles.  We  feel  sure  that  such  letters  would  not  have  received 
attention  at  TVashingfon,  but  both  of  them  were  answered  by  the 
general,  carrying  out  the  maxim  that  nothing  is  beneath  the  atten- 
tion of  a  great  man;  and  we  left  him,  impressed  with  the  great 
goodness  of  his  heart. 

In  Matamoras,  there  hves  an  old  Frenchman,  who  keeps  a 
bakery.  Many  years  ago,  he  lived  in  New  Orleans,  and  on  en- 
tering into  conversation  with  him,  he  told  us  he  had  married  in 
Matamoras,  and  now  had  grandchildren.  We  saw  one  of  his 
married  daughters,  who  was  well  educated,  and  far  superior  to 
any  Mexican  woman  we  had  yet  met.  She  was  rather  pretty 
and  quite  engaging.  They  owned  a  very  large  garden  opposite, 
filled  with  fruits  and  flowers  which  were  most  beautiful.  The 
lady  took  us  over,  and  showed  us  through  the  garden,  and  took 
evident  pleasure  in  explaining  to  us  the  names  of  them  in  Spanish. 
She  said,  that  next  to  her  children  she  thought  of  her  flower-gar- 
den ;  that  she  had  often  heard  of  our  fine  gardens  in  the  United 
States,  and  had  longed  to  see  them.  She  picked  a  large  white 
double  rose,  which  she  said  was  called  the  "  Glueen  of  Spain," 
and  presented  it  to  us,  remarking,  as  she  looked  up  at  the  green 
oranges,  "  When  our  fruit  gets  ripe  you  must  come  to  see  us,  for  I 
hope  by  that  time  the  war  will  be  over." 

On  Sunday,  the  12th  of  July,  we  attended  mass  with  some  offi- 
cers, and  returning  from  the  chapel,  we  fell  in  with  two  surgeons 


28  THE   FANDANGO. 

of  the  Mexican  army,  who  were  well  educated  men,  one  of  them 
speaking  French  tolerably  Aveli.  Having  invited  them  to  dine 
with  us,  they  made  themselves  very  agreeable,  and  told  us  that 
Ampudia  was  fortifying  Monterey,  and  that  we  would  no  doubt 
have  a  decisive  battle  there.  After  dinner,  they  invited  us  to  a 
private  party,  which  they  said  was  to  take  place  that  evening. 
Before  which,  however,  we  went  to  witness  a  marriage  between  a 
young  Mexican  officer,  and  a  very  pretty  Mexican  girl.  The 
parties,  it  appears,  had  been  engaged  for  two  years,  and  the  young 
officer,  during  the  late  battles,  had  his  leg  shot  off;  notwithstand- 
ing, the  girl  was  true  and  constant,  and  determined  to  have  him. 
The  bride  was  dressed  in  white,  with  a  gold  necklace,  which  hung 
over  her  bosom,  and  a  white  veil  covering  half  of  her  head 
and  face.  The  groom  was  in  full  uniform,  which  looked  very 
imposing.  They  were  married  by  the  priest,  after  which  there 
was  a  shaking  of  hands,  and  mingling  of  congratulations.  At 
night  we  went  to  the  fandango.  The  girls  were  dressed  very 
plain,  but  neat;  and  some  were  quite  good-looking.  The  most 
beautiful  feature  about  them  is  their  pretty  feet.  Their  dresses 
were  all  made  short-waisted,  after  the  old  fashion,  without  either 
corsets  or  stays  to  shape  them.  The  Mexican  gallants  were 
dressed  in  white  jackets,  with  pants  of  blue  cotton  or  fine-dressed 
buckskin,  embroidered  with  silk,  open  at  the  sides,  and  lined 
with  buttons  down  the  legs,  underneath  which  they  wore  white 
loose  drawers,  which  made  quite  a  flashy  contrast.  Around  their 
waists  they  wore  a  blue  or  red  sash.  Their  hats  were  of  a  high 
crowned  conical  shape,  of  black  glazed  silk,  around  which  they 
wore  silver  bands.  The  music  consisted  of  a  tambourine  and  a 
mandolin.  Their  quadrilles  were  much  like  ours,  only  that  they 
danced  them  differently.  The  waltz  was  a  sort  of  slow  march, 
balancing  at  every  two  or  three  turns.  We  all  danced  with  the 
girls,  and  had  quite  a  pleasant  time ;  all  agreeing  that  "  Dona 
Catherina"  was  the  belle  of  the  night. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Departure  for  Reynoso  on  the  Steamer  "  J.  E.  Roberts" — The  Rio  Grande  and 
its  Banks — Our  Arrival  and  Departure — The  Steamer  aground — Lieut.  Mc- 
Mullen's  Story — Ride  to  Reynoso — Description  of  the  Town — An  Incident— 
We  proceed  to  Comargo — The  river  San  Juan — Clay  Davis's  Place — Arri. 
val  at  Comargo — Description  of  its  Ruins — The  Rangers'  Camp,  &-c. — A 
Sunday  at  Church — The  Mexican  Girls — Their  Dress  and  Customs. 

We  had  long  been  waiting  most  anxiously  for  a  boat  to  take  us 
to  Reynoso,  in  order  to  join  our  company,  which  we  were  fearful 
would  go  out  on  a  scout  before  we  could  reach  it.    An  opportunity 


VOYAGE    ON    THE    RIO    GRANDE.      '  29 

at  last  presented  itself.  The  1st  infantry  was  already  stationed  at 
Reynoso,  and  the  7th  and  8th  had  been  despatched  to  Comargo  by 
land.  This  latter  point  was  to  be  made  the  grand  depot  for  future 
operations,  and  large  quantities  of  military  stores  were  now  being 
sent  up.  Orders  had  also  been  issued  to  the  5th  regiment  to  move. 
And  on  the  13th  of  July,  three  companies  of  the  5th,  under  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Merrill,  were  embarked  on  the  steamer  "  J.  E.  Ro- 
berts," and  taking  our  horses  on  board,  we  bade  adieu  to  Matamoras, 
and  were  soon  booming  up  the  Rio  Grande. 

At  riight  we  stopped  at  Gen.  P.  F.  Smith's  camp  of  the  volun- 
teers, which  was  then  some  fifteen  miles  from  Matamoras,  on  the 
same  side  of  the  river.  Several  of  the  volunteer  officers  came  on 
board  to  see  us,  and  after  landing  a  few  stores,  we  kept  on  our  way 
again.  The  Rio  Grande  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  crooked  rivers 
in  all  North  America.  It  partakes  very  much  of  the  character  of 
our  own  Mississippi,  and  is  in  fact  very  much  hke  it,  only  not  so 
wide  or  deep.  The  river  being  very  high,  a  quantity  of  trees 
and  drift-wood  were  running  down  with  a  sweeping  current  of  about 
six  knots  per  hour.  The  wood  piles  on  the  banks  were  quite 
numerous  for  the  short  time  our  boats  had  been  running,  as  steamers 
never  before  ran  so  high  up  the  river.  The  corn  fields  were  one 
sheet  of  water,  and  the  Mexicans  were  gathering  the  ears  in  canoes  ! 
The  huts  on  the  banks  were  made  of  mud  and  cane,  with  no  order 
or  neatness  about  them.  The  farms  generally  were  very  fine,  and 
we  passed  some  most  beautiful  places  for  the  opening  of  planta- 
tions. We  made  but  little  headway  at  night,  on  account  of  the 
strong  current  frequently  forcing  the  boat  into  the  banks,  in  turn- 
ing the  bends  of  the  river,  and  so  violent  were  the  concussions, 
that  we  were  often  alarmed  for  our  safety. 

On  we  sped,  however,  invading  the  enemy's  country  without 
opposition ;  and  it  was  the  subject  of  remark,  that  we  were  thus 
permitted  to  proceed  without  resistance.  For,  had  the  enemy 
chosen,  small  parties  might  have  lain  in  ambush,  and  injured  and 
harassed  our  boats  very  much ;  certain  it  is,  that  no  enemy  could 
take  such  a  liberty  with  us  in  our  country.  At  10,  a.  m.,  on  the 
morning  of  the  15th,  we  arrived  at  Reynoso,  a  distance  of  170 
miles,  which  is  situated  on  a  high,  rocky,  steep  point,  and  contains 
about  2,000  souls.  Here  we  stopped  to  wood,  and  learning  that 
our  company  had  gone  to  Comargo,  we  remained  on  board.  The 
road  to  the  town  was  up  a  long  and  steep  hill,  and  it  was  so 
extremely  hot,  that  we  could  not  be  induced  to  venture  its  ascent. 
Having  received  our  complement  of  wood,  we  pursued  our  course. 
At  2,  p.  M.,  when  about  fifteen  miles  from  Reynoso,  our  boat  got 
aground,  on  the  right-hand  side  of  the  river,  at  a  place  called  Sa- 
baritas.     After  many  ineffectual  efforts  to  get  ofT,  the  soldiers  were 

3* 


30 

al]  put  ashore  to  lighten  the  boat,  but  it  did  not  seem  to  aid  her. 
At  4,  p.  M.,  the  "Brownsville"  hove  in  sight,  coming  down,  and 
by  htr  assistance  we  were  hauled  off,  and  went  over  on  the  other 
side  of  the  river,  to  he  up  for  the  night.  The  soldiers  remained  on 
the  opposite  shore,  under  charge  of  two  officers,  and  had  encamped 
till  morning.  Within  fifty  yards  of  this  place,  there  is  an  ugly 
bar  making  out,  with  quite  a  fall  in  the  river,  which  is  here  very 
shoal,  and  the  current  very  rapid. 

The  next  morning  w^e  spent  in  ineflectual  attempts  to  get  over 
the  bar.  The  weather  was  intensely  hot,  and  there  was  but  a  slight 
chance  of  success.  In  the  mean  time,  the  soldiers  were  brought 
over  in  the  yawl.     We  were  sitting  out  on  the  boiler  deck,  after 

dinner,  when  Capt.  C ,  who  had  heard  that  Lieut.  McMullen 

was  at  the  battle  of  Mier,  and  had  been  made  a  prisoner,  drew  out 
of  him  the  following  story.  As  the  battle  is  a  matter  of  history,  we 
will  omit  that  part  of  his  narrative,  although  it  was  most  graphically 
described  at  the  time,  and  proceed  from  where  the  Texians  surren- 
dered. "  We  had  fought  from  house  to  house,"  said  young  McMul- 
len, for  he  is  hardly  twenty-five,  "  making  holes  through  the  roofs, 
so  that  w^e  could  get  on  their  tops,  and  had  completely  driven  the 
Mexicans  from  the  plaza,  when  a  flag  of  truce  was  sent  in  from 
Ampudia,  by  an  officer,  to  know  if  we  would  surrender,  with 
instructions  that,  if  we  would  not,  to  tell  us  that  they  would 
capitulate !  But  this  we  did  not  know  till  afterwards.  It  was  put 
to  vote,  and  as  our  men  were  badly  cut  up,  it  was  thought  most 
prudent  to  do  so,  on  conditions  that  we  should  be  honourably  treated 
as  prisoners  of  war.  On  coming  out  into  the  streets,  however,  w^e 
saw  the  terrible  havoc  that  our  rifles  had  made.  The  tops  of  their 
houses  were  covered  with  the  dead,  and  the  gutters  on  the  roofs 
streamed  with  their  blood.  Had  we  but  held  out,  the  day  would 
have  been  our  own. 

"  The  next  day  we  were  ordered  to  prepare  to  march  to  the  city 
of  Mexico ;  when  about  fifty  leagues  from  which,  we  arrived  at 
the  town  of  San  Miguel  Grande.  Here  we  were  imprisoned  for 
some  time.  Previous  to  being  locked  up,  Col.  Ortice,  who  was 
more  kind  to  us  than  any  other  officer,  marched  us  around  and 
showed  us  the  town  and  the  plaza.  We  were  evidently  the 
greatest  curiosity  that  the  inhabitants  had  ever  seen,  for  they 
flocked  in  numbers  to  see  us.  Our  garments  were  soiled  and  tat- 
tered, and  our  condition  most  wretched.  As  we  passed  the  doors 
of  the  houses,  the  women  pitied  us  very  much,  and  after  we  were 
locked  up,  the  Mexican  girls  came  and  threw  cakes  and  other  eat- 
ables over  the  walls  to  us,  though  it  was  strictly  forbidden  at  the 
time.  On  our  arrival  at  Tacubaya,  near  the  city  of  Mexico, 
Madame  Tobias,  and  other  French  ladies,  determined  to  give  us  a 


31 

dinner,  as  we  were  nearly  starved  to  death.  The  Mexican  officers, 
however,  would  not  permit  us  to  accept  of  it,  when  the  indignation 
of  every  one  became  so  great,  that  they  were  forced  to  opemour 
prison  doors  ;  and  if  ever  poor  mortals  enjoyed  a  dinner,  we  cer- 
tainly did  that  one.  To  sit  down  once  more  at  a  table  in  a  civil- 
ized way,  with  a  white  snowy  cloth,  and  every  luxury  about  you, 
after  the  long  deprivations  we  had  suffered,  was  too  much  for  us. 
Our  confusion  and  awkwardness  was  extreme,  before  the  ladies, 
and  it  was  some  time  before  we  could  well  handle  our  knife  and  fork. 
The  ladies  were  delighted,  and  seemed  to  enjoy  the  fun  more  than 
we  did  the  feast. 

"  After  we  were  released  from  the  dingy  prisons  of  Mexico," 
continued  our  narrator,  "  we  were  invited  to  the  house  of  Senor 
Den  Floris,  the  splendour  of  which  quite  dazzled  us.  The  walls 
were  beautifully  painted,  resembhng  our  papered  walls  at  home ; 
the  furniture  was  very  costly,  and  every  thing  else  was  in  ac- 
cordance with  it.  There  were  many  young  ladies  present,  one  of 
whom  played  on  the  piano,  and  sang  a  song  for  us.  One  of  us 
was  then  requested  to  sing,  and  having  been  told  that  I  sang 
a  comic  song — for  there  were  several  of  us  that  spoke  Spanish — 
they  immediately  pressed  me  into  service,  and  entreated  me  to  favour 
them  with  a  song,  which  I  did,  but  I  was  stopped  at  the  end  of 
each  verse,  until  it  was  translated  to  them.  The  song  caused  a 
great  deal  of  merriment  and  hearty  laughter.  A  dance  was  next 
proposed  ;  but  net  caring  to  make  a  greater  display  of  the  seat  of 
my  unmentionables  than  I  could  help — for  all  of  us  were  yet  nearly 
destitute  of  clothing — I  resolutely  kept  my  seat  at  the  far  end  of 
the  sofa.  But  there  was  no  getting  off;  no  excuse  would  do,  and 
I  was  forced  to  take  a  stand  by  a  fair  girl  upon  the  floor.  My 
bashfulness  was  extreme,  and  the  mischievous  girls  discovering 
the  cause,  for  I  was  not  the  only  one  in  the  scrape,  enjoyed  the  fun 
to  the  utmost.  After  the  dance  was  over,  and  we  had  partaken  of 
some  refreshment,  what  was  our  surprise  to  find  that  our  noble  host 
had  procured  any  quantity  of  clothing  for  us  !  I  was  shown  into  a 
room  where  a  bath  had  been  prepared  for  me,  and  shortly  after, 
while  making  my  toilet,  several  of  the  ladies  came  in  and  insisted 
upon  aiding  to  dress  me.  They  combed  my  hair  with  their  own 
hands,  arranged  my  fine  hnen  collar  for  me,  and  showed  me  how 
to  tie  the  silk  sash  about  my  waist.  All  this  time  they  seemed  to 
take  evident  delight  at  my  confusion,  and  their  conversation  was 
continually  interrupted  with  roars  of  laughter.  Having  completed 
my  toilet  for  me,  they  brought  me  a  looking-glass,  and  I  assure 
you  I  thought  I  never  looked  better  in  my  life.  I  could  only  ex- 
press my  gratitude  by  kissing  their  hands ;  and  one  of  my  most 
grateful  remembrances,  is  that  of  Senor  Don  Floris  and  his  family." 


32  REYNOSO    AND    COMARGO. 

It  was  now  about  5,  p.  m.,  and  the  captain  of  the  hoat  deter- 
mined to  discharge  a  portion  of  the  freight,  so  as  to  enable  us  to 
procfpd.  To  give  one  an  idea  of  the  serpentine  bends  of  the 
river,  although  we  were  fifteen  miles  from  Reynoso  by  water,  yet 
the  town  was  only  one  mile  and  a  half  off  by  land,  and  we  could 
plainly  see  the  spire  of  the  church,  and  the  tops  of  the  houses  ! 
Lieut.  McMulIen  and  ourself  determined  to  ride  back  to  town,  and 
if  it  was  practicable,  to  go  up  b)^  land.  So  we  took  our  horses  on 
shore,  and  saddled  up.  The  town  is  quite  neat,  and  is  prettily 
laid  off;  the  houses  are  principally  built  of  a  gray  stone,  many  of 
which  had  been  injured  by  the  late  flood;  the  church  stands  out 
in  bold  relief  on  the  river  side  of  the  plaza,  fronting  towards  it. 
Here  we  found  the  1st  infantry  encamped,  the  officers  of  which 
kindly  asked  us  to  stay  to  supper,  which  we  did.  After  talking 
over  the  news,  and  partaking  of  some  of  Mr.  Murphey's  "  whisky 
toddy,"  having  concluded  to  remain  on  the  boat,  we  started  to 
return,  Lieut.  H.,  of  the  1st,  accompanying  us. 

It  was  now  late,  and  the  night  very  dark,  and  after  riding  about 
a  mile  or  so,  we  found  that  we  had  taken  the  wrong  road.  We 
then  turned  back,  and  discovering  a  light,  we  rode  up  to  it,  and 
found  two  little  shepherd  boys,  miserably  clad,  lying  by  a  fire, 
whom  we  obtained  to  show  us  the  road  to  the  steamboat.  After 
paying  them,  seeing  that  the  poor  boys  trembled  with  the  cold 
night  air,  we  offered  them  a  drink  of  liquor,  which  the  eldest 
seemed  to  relish  very  much.  One  could  not  help  but  pity  the  little 
fellows  ;  they  were  used  to  hardships,  however,  for  a  roof  seldom 
or  never  covered  their  heads. 

Having  discharged  a  large  portion  of  our  freight,  which  was  left 
in  charge  of  Capt.  Chapman  and  his  company,  we  got  under 
weigh  at  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  and  succeeded  in 
getting  over  the  bar,  and  were  once  more  on  our  way  for  Comargo, 
which  is  about  130  miles  from  Reynoso.  The  afternoon  was 
cloudy,  with  rain,  and  as  the  navigation  was  difficult,  we  lay  by 
all  night.  The  next  day,  at  8,  p.  m.,  we  entered  the  mouth  of  the 
river  San  Juan.  The  scenery  here  is  wild  and  rugged,  the  banks 
being  very  high  and  steep,  for  the  river  had  fallen  very  much  since 
we  left  Matamoras.  Three  miles  from  the  mouth,  we  stopped  at 
Clay  Davis's  place,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  called  the 
"City  of  the  Rio  Grande,"  a  beautiful  situation, and  the  best  point 
on  the  river.  Whatever  the  city  is  to  be,  time  will  tell ;  it  now, 
however,  contained  only  a  few  huts. 

Some  two  miles  above  the  city  of  Rio  Grand t%  on  the  left  bank 
of  the  San  Juan,  is  situated  the  town  of  Comargo,  which  but  a  few 
weeks  ago  was  one  of  the  finest  built  towns  in  this  section  of 
country,  and  contained  a  population  of  nearly  three   thousand. 


THE   RANGERS   AT   COMARGO. 


33 


On  ascending  the  bank,  we  were  struck  with  the  desolation  and 
ruin  which  had  spread  itself  on  every  side.  The  late  flood, 
which  had  been  the  cause  of  it,  came  on  rapidly  in  the  night, 
while  the  inhabitants  were  wrapped  in  their  peaceful  slumbers, 
and  many  had  not  the  least  intimation  of  it,  until  the  waters  had 
actually  floated  them  out  of  their  beds.  From  a  description  which 
we  received  from  a  Mexican,  who  was  here  at  the  time,  i^  must 
have  been  heart-rending  in  the  extreme.  Mothers  were  seen 
wading  waist-deep,  carrying  their  children  in  their  arms,  hurry- 
ing to  places  of  safety,  filling  the  air  with  shrieks  of  dismay. 
The  men  were  engaged  saving  the  children,  many  of  whom  were 
clinging  to  floating  materials,  and  carrying  them  to  the  tops  of  the 
houses  for  safety,  which  had  become  the  only  resort  among  the 
poorer  classes,  who  lived  in  huts,  and  slept  on  the  ground  floor — 
while  those  who  occupied  two-story  houses  were  in  greater  peril, 
for  the  walls  becoming  saturated,  gave  way  and  feU  in  with  a 
crash,  frequently  drowning  a  whole  family,  while  others  were 
carried  away  by  the  flood,  or  drowned  in  their  beds.  There  were 
many  lives  lost,  and  the  destruction  of  property  was  very  great, 
about  two  hundred  houses  having  been  ruined.  The  town  was 
once  very  beautiful,  and  from  the  ruined  walls  we  saw,  the  houses 
must  have  been  quite  pretty.  It  contains  three  plazas,  in  the 
middle  one  of  which  is  situated  the  finest  buildings,  and  where 
still  stands  a  neat  little  church. 

Here  we  were  welcomed  by  many  friends,  and  were  soon  con- 
ducted to  the  camp  of  the  Rangers,  which  lay  at  the  upper  end 
of  the  town.  Our  mess,  in  company  with  three  others,  occupied 
a  long  tent  open  at  both  ends,  formerly  used  for  an  hospital,  an  old 
concern  which  had  served  to  keep  out  the  sun  and  rain  ;  while 
the  rest  occupied  the  vacant  and  ruined  huts  around.  Many  of  the 
men  had  just  come  in  from  grazing  their  horses,  and  were  now 
occupied  in  grooming  them  ;  others  were  cooking  over  fires,  and 
preparing  supper.  At  sundown  we  were  invited  by  our  mess  to 
take  a  cup  of  coffee,  out  of  a  tin  pot,  and  was  reminded  by  them, 
after  our  hearty  meal,  that  our  cook-day  would  come  on  Monday. 
Rations  of  corn  and  oats  were  then  served  out  for  our  horses — the 
guard  was  paraded,  and  the  sentinels  posted.  It  was  a  fine  even- 
ing, and  the  Rangers  sat  round  in  groups  hstening  to  the  songs 
and  stories  of  their  comrades.  There  is  no  place  like  camp  for 
studying  character.  Men  are  there  seen  in  their  true  light,  and 
from  the  intimate  association,  every  trait  which  is  noble  and  good, 
or  otherwise,  is  sure  to  manifest  itself.  There  can  be  no  deceit 
or  affectation  practised  there  to  advantage.  And  whatever  may 
be  the  rank  or  station  of  men  in  life,  in  camp  all  find  their  level. 
The  aristocracy  of  wealth  which  governs  in  large  cities  among 


34 


LIFE   IN    THE    CAMP. 


civilians  of  the  present  da)^  is  not  respected  or  courted  in  the 
camp  of  a  soldier.  There,  bravery  and  intelligence  outrank  it. 
At  9  o'clock  the  men  retired,  our  beds  consisting  merely  of  a 
blanket  spread  on  the  ground,  with  a  sack  of  corn  or  oats  for  a 
pillow,  or  headinf(  as  the  "  boys'^  called  it,  and  save  those  who 
were  on  guard,  all  was  socn  hushed  in  sleep. 

On  Sunday,  the  19th,  at  dayh'ght,  a  party  of  us  went  out  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  to  graze  our  horses.  The  morning  was  beauti- 
ful, and  as  is  always  the  case  when  we  meet  with  new  scenery, 
Jl  elevated  the  soul,  and  one  became  more  impressed  with  the 
grandeur  of  God's  works.  The  country  around  looked  bright  and 
cheerful,  the  birds  were  singing  their  morning  carols,  and  the 
green  fields  and  forests  of  chaparral  were  pleasins^  to  the  eye. 
We  carried  our  arms  with  us,  and  on  arriving  at  the  pasturage, 
we  slipped  our  horses'  bridles  around  their  necks,  and  merely  un- 
buckled the  girths  without  taking  off  the  saddle,  so  that  in  case 
cf  surprise,  we  would  be  ready  for  a  fight  or  flight.  We  then 
untied  our  cabaristas  or  Mexican  halters,  which  are  about  some 
twenty  or  thirty  feet  long,  and  holding  the  end  in  our  hands,  lay 
down  and  let  our  horses  graze  at  will.  The  grass  here  was  only 
tolerable,  owing  to  the  late  overflow.  On  returning,  we  met  several 
small  parties  of  Mexicans  on  horseback,  some  of  whom  were  carry- 
ing women  before  them,  instead  of  behind  them,  as  is  the  custom  in 
our  country.  On  reaching  camp  we  rode  down  to  the  river,  and 
watered  our  horses.  The  banks  were  lined  with  women  who 
carried  earthen  jars  upon  their  heads,  and  were  busy  filling  them 
with  water — while  others  were  occupied  washing  clothes,  and 
another  group  of  girls  were  bathing  in  the  river.  They  did  not 
mind  our  presence  at  all,  and  swam  with  great  ease  and  activity. 
After  feeding  and  grooming  our  horses  we  went  to  breakfast.  To 
have  seen  the  different  messes  sitting  round  their  meal,  one  would 
have  thought,  from  the  savage-looking  mien  of  the  men,  with  their 
long  matted  hair  and  beards,  and  their  singular  costumes,  that  we 
were  a  band  of  brigands.  Our  life  was  a  rough  one,  and  although 
sometimes  disagreeable,  yet  from  its  novelty  and  wild  excitement 
it  had  many  charms — for  notwithstanding  the  hardships  we  suf- 
fered, there  was  much  in  it  that  partook  of  the  romance  of  the 
olden  days  of  chivalry. 

After  breakfast,  having  determined  to  go  to  church,  we  com- 
pleted our  toilet  by  greasing  our  boots,  which  came  up  over  the 
caps  of  our  knees,  instead  of  blacking  them.  The  chiming  of  the 
bells  reminded  us  mightily  of  our  old  cathedral  at  New  Orleans ; 
and  as  it  was  so  natural  after  taking  one's  cafe  noir  at  the 
French  market  on  Sunday  morning,  to  drop  into  the  cathedral  to 
see  our  pretty  Creole  girls,  and  hsten  to  the  fine  music  of  the 


VISIT    TO    THE    CATHEDRAL.  35 

choir,  we  thought  we  would  see  if  we  could  fancy  ourself  back 
there  by  taking  a  look  into  the  Comargo  cathedral.  So  we  strolled 
up  to  the  main  plaza,  and  entered  the  church,  but  we  were 
doomed  to  be  disappointed.  Picture  to  yourself  a  good-looking 
building  outside,  built  of  a  brown  lime-stone,  with  a  very  neat 
and  pretty  white  steeple  and  spire  which  reminded  one  of  a 
church  in  New  England.  The  church  is  about  sixty  feet  long, 
with  two  wings  at  the  rear,  leading  to  which  is  a  very  narrow 
aisle  about  twelve  feet  wide,  where  stands  the  altar,  which  was 
decorated  with  wax  figures  and  crosses.  On  one  side  was  a  figure 
of  the  Holy  Virgin,  and  on  the  other  a  figure  representing  the 
Saviour  on  the  cross.  The  tinsel  gilt  ornaments  that  surrounded 
them  had  the  appearance  of  a  worn-out  player's  wardrobe.  The 
Senoritas  were  all  kneeling  on  the  left-hand  side  of  the  aisle, 
while  the  greasers,  or  Mexican  citizens  stood  up  on  the  right, 
there  being  no  seats  or  pews.  Over  the  front  door  of  the  church 
was  placed  a  small  gallery,  containing  the  choir,  which  was  com- 
posed of  one  bass,  and  one  tenor  singer,  one  clarion,  and  a  mando- 
lin. There  were  no  female  singers.  And  such  exquisite  screech- 
ing, and  strange  jumbling  of  sounds  as  was  produced  by  their 
combined  efforts,  we  thought  was  most  admirably  adapted  for  the 
sheet  iron  band,  or  for  one  of  our  southern  negro  congo  dances. 
We  could  not  be  made  to  believe  that  it  was  sacred  music!  and 
so  far  from  being  piously  impressed,  it  was  as  much  as  we  could 
do  to  keep  from  laughing  outright.  The  priest  did  not  pretend 
to  preach  a  sermon ;  but  after  prayers  were  said  he  went  through 
a  ceremony  that  we  never  before  witnessed.  His  robes  were  of 
the  most  fantastical  colours,  rudely  embroidered  and  trimmed  with 
gold.  At  a  given  signal,  four  little  boys  approached,  each  holding 
a  pole,  which  supported  the  four  corners  of  a  red  canopy  trimmed 
with  gold  edging,  which  the  priest  got  under,  when  they  marched 
down  the  aisle  ;  the  choir  at  the  same  time  struck  up  a  regular 
jig,  for  we  can  compare  it  to  nothing  else,  and  as  they  reached 
the  door,  there  was  not  room  for  them  to  turn  round,  so  they 
marched  out  into  the  street,  and  re-entered  marching  back  to  the 
altar.  The  music  then  ceased,  when  the  priest  took  off  his  robes, 
and  without  pronouncing  a  Benedicite,  his  flock  were  dismissed. 
The  ]M  xican  girU  here  are  nearly  the  same  in  feature  as  our 
Choctaw  Indians.  Now  and  then  you  see  one  rather  pretty. 
They  generally  dress  in  calicoes,  some  few  in  silks :  their  dresses 
are  all  very  short  waisted,  which  make  them  look  somewhat  like 
Dutch  girls.  They  wear  over  their  heads  a  light  scarf,  which 
hangs  down  at  the  sides,  and  which  they  frequently  make  use  of 
as  a  veil,  called  ribosa.  They  wear  no  bonnets,  nor  know  what 
they  are,  the  fashion  not  yet  having  been  introduced  among  them. 


36  MEXICAN    WOMEN. 

Their  principal  employment  is  in  weaving  blankets,  which  they 
do  very  ingeniously,  assorting  the  colours  with  great  taste.  They 
card  the  wool  and  spin  from  the  distaff,  as  our  mothers  did  in 
ancient  times.  Some  of  the  blankets  of  their  manufacture,  are 
extremely  beautiful,  and  cost  as  high  as  a  hundred  dollars.  Hav- 
ing no  books  to  read,  and  being  totally  illiterate,  with  few  excep- 
tions, they  spend  their  afternoons  in  hunting  among  each  others' 
tresses  of  long  black  hair;  they  have  no  combs,  and  use  a  kind 
of  straw  brush,  with  which  they  part  the  hair,  in  order  to  find 
the  objects  of  their  industrious  search.  They  bathe  every  morn- 
ing and  evening  in  crowds  in  the  river, and  indeed  are  more  lack- 
ing in  modesty  than  in  virtue. 

The  women  generally  washed  for  us — charging  one  dollar  per 
dozen  without  ironing,  and  two  dollars  if  ironed.  I  was  surprised, 
however,  to  see  with  what  neatness  they  did  up  the  clothes. 
Senora  Juan  Sanches,  having  two  good-looking  daughters,  received 
the  principal  custom.  The  houses  were  generally  miserably  fur- 
nished. Some,  however,  were  quite  neat.  They  have  very 
pretty  worked  cushions,  which,  on  entering  a  house,  they  always 
place  in  a  chair  for  you  to  sit  on.  They  generally  treated  us 
kindly,  but  were  very  suspicious  and  distrustful ;  and  whenever 
there  were  Mexican  men  about,  they  would  refuse  to  converse 
with  us.  The  women  keep  the  money  and  the  treasure  of  their 
husbands,  which  is  generally  hid  in  the  ground  ;  and  there  are 
many  stories  about  large  sums  having  been  found  in  digging  about 
old  ranches. 


CHAPTER  V. 

News  of  the  War  reaches  Texas — Formation  of  Capt.  McCuIloch's  Company 
of  Rangers — March  to  Corpus  Christi — The  Ford  of  the  Laguna  del  Madre 
— Padre's  Island — Uncle  Tilley — The  Carankawa  Indians — Arrival  at  Point 
Isabel — March  to  Matamoras — Scout  towards  Linares — Incidents — Capture 
of  the  Mexican  Mail — Arrival  at  Reynoso. 

CoMARGO  about  this  time  presented  a  scene  of  as  busy  an  aspect 
as  any  commercial  city.  Steamers  were  daily  arriving  with  sub- 
sistence, stores,  and  munitions  of  war.  There  might  have  been 
frequently  seen  four  or  five  steamers  at  a  time  at  the  landing,  be- 
sides the  ferry  boats  which  were  constantly  crossing  and  recross- 
ing  the  river.  The  banks  were  crowded  with  barrels  and  boxes, 
and  teams  rattled  along  at  as  dangerous  a  rate  as  in  one  of  our 
great  cities.  The  whole  of  the  Second  Division  of  the  army, 
under  Gren.  Worth,  had  arrived,  and  every  thing  told  that  great 
preparations  were  making  for  stirring  events,  the  character  of 


37 

which  was  not  to  he  mistaken.  The  period  had  arrived  when  the 
services  of  our  company  were  most  needed  ;  there  was  much  in 
store  for  us,  and  we  longed  for  the  exciting  moments  which  should 
call  our  energies  into  action.  That  time  had  come.  But  before 
we  proceed  to  relate  the  incidents  of  our  adventurous  scouts,  it 
will  he  necessary,  for  the  sake  of  unity,  that  our  narrative  should 
revert  to  the  period  when  our  company  was  first  called  into  the 
field ;  and  we  must  request  the  reader  to  accompany  us  back  to 
the  scenes  and  incidents  which  occurred  from  the  time  of  its 
organization  up  to  the  moment  of  our  admission  into  its  ranks. 
The  following  sketches  of  that  period  have  been  kindly  furnished 
us  by  the  talented  author  of  the  following  song,  who  also  served 
with  us  in  the  ranks  : 

THE  RANGER'S  SONG.— Air:  "I'm  Afloat." 
By  James  T.  Lytic. 

Mount !  mount !  and  away  o'er  the  green  prairie  wide— 
The  sword  is  our  sceptre,  the  fleet  steed  our  pride  ; 
Up  !  up  !  with  our  flag — let  its  bright  star  gleam  out — 
Mount !  mount !  and  away  on  the  wild  border-scout ! 

11. 
We  care  not  for  danger,  we  heed  not  the  foe — 
Where  our  brave  steeds  can  bear  us,  right  onward  we  go, 
And  never,  as  cowards,  can  we  fly  from  the  fight, 
While  our  belts  bear  a  blade,  our  star  sheds  its  light. 

III. 
Then  mount  and  away  !  give  the  fleet  steed  the  rein— 
The  Ranger's  at  home  on  the  prairies  again ; 
Spur !  spur  in  the  chase,  dash  on  to  the  fight, 
Cry  Vengeance  for  Texas  !  and  God  speed  the  right. 

IV. 

The  might  of  the  foe  gathers  thick  on  our  way — 
They  hear  our  wild  shout  as  we  rush  to  the  fray ; 
What  to  us  is  the  fear  of  the  death-stricken  plain — 
We  have  "braved  it  before,  and  will  brave  it  again." 

v. 

The  death-dealing  bullets  around  us  may  fall — 
They  may  strike,  they  may  kill,  but  they  cannot  appal ; 
Through  the  red  field  of  carnage  right  onward  we'll  wade, 
While  our  guns  carry  ball,  and  our  hands  wield  the  blade. 

VI. 

Hurrah,  my  brave  boys !  ye  may  fare  as  ye  please, 
No  Mexican  banner  now  floats  in  the  breeze  ! 
'Tis  the  flag  of  Columbia  that  waves  o'er  each  height, 
While  on  its  proud  folds  our  star  sheds  its  light. 

VII. 

f :{  Then  mount  and  away  !  give  the  fleet  steed  the  rein — 

.'5'  The  Ranger's  at  home  on  the  prairies  again; 

Spur !  spur  in  the  chase,  dash  on  to  the  fight. 
Cry  Vengeance  for  Texas  !  and  God  speed  the  richt. 

4 


38  Mcculloch's  rangers. 

As  soon  as  the  intelligence  of  the  critical  situation  of  the  Ameri- 
can army  on  the  Rio  Grande  reached  Texas,  and  Gen.  Taylor's 
call  for  volunteers  was  heard  throughout  the  boundaries  of  the 
new  state,  the  spirit  of  patriotism  and  martial  glory  which  had 
burned  so  brightly  and  so  long  during  the  darkest  periods  of  the 
"  Star  Republic's"  history,  burst  forth  anew  to  gleam  as  brightly 
as  in  the  days  of  its  infant  liberty. 

On  the  western  frontier — that  portion  of  the  state  nearest  the 
seat  of  war— preparations  for  the  campaign  were  most  active  and 
most  earnest.  No  mock  show  of  the  pomp  and  pageantry  of 
war  was  seen — no  tap  of  spirit-stirring  drum,  or  note  of  piercing 
fife — no  trumpet-call,  or  bugle  sound,  was  heard  on  the  bor- 
der side.  But  there  was  wiping  of  rifles  and  moulding  of  bullets 
— cleaning  of  pistols  and  grinding  of  knives — packing  of  wallets 
and  saddling  of  steeds ;  in  short,  every  step  of  preparation  made, 
amid  the  encouraging  smiles  of  mothers,  wives,  and  sisters,  who 
cheerfully  came  forth  to  lend  their  aid,  making  wallets,  and 
moulding  leaden  messengers  of  death,  giving  evidence  that  the 
frontier  men  knew  full  well  the  importance  of  the  duty  which  they 
had  to  perform ;  and  every  movement  which  they  made  was  an 
earnest  that  that  duty  would  be  gallantly  done. 

In  thirty-six  hours  after  the  express  arrived,  Capt.  Ben  McCul- 
loch  had  raised  a  choice  company  on  the  banks  of  the  Guadaloupe, 
and  set  out  for  the  seat  of  hostilities.  This  company  was  perhaps 
the  best  mounted,  armed,  equipped,  and  appointed  corps  that  was 
out  in  the  ranging  service ;  and  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  at 
head-quarters  until  after  its  disbandment  at  Monterey,  enjoyed 
more  of  the  trust  and  confidence  of  the  commanding  general  than 
any  other  volunteer  company  of  the  invading  army.  To  this 
company  we  had  the  honour  to  belong ;  and  in  venturing  to  give 
a  detail  of  some  of  the  expeditions  in  which  it  was  engaged,  we 
shall  make  the  account  most  faithful  and  true. 

On  the  13th  of  May  we  arrived  at  San  Patricio,  and  received 
the  news,  much  to  our  chagrin  and  disappointment,  of  the  engage- 
ments of  the  8th  and  9th.  We  had  hoped  to  have  reached  the 
army  before  a  battle  would  be  fought,  but  the  distance  we  had  to 
ride,  although  making  forced  marches,  rendered  it  impossible  for 
us  to  have  done  so.  But  although  we  were  not  able  to  participate 
in  and  share  the  glories  of  the  8th  and  9th,  we  joyed  to  learn  that 
Walker  and  his  men  had  won  imperishable  renown.  With  the 
hope  of  still  being  in  time  to  join  in  the  pursuit  of  the  defeated 
army,  we  hurried  on  to  Corpus  Christi,  and  the  next  day  took  up 
the  line  of  march  down  Padre's  Island  to  Point  Isabel.  Our  way, 
after  leaving  Corpus  Christi,  lay  along  the  sea-shore  of  the  main 
land,  until  we  came  to  the  ford,  which  we  were  compelled  to  cross 


39 

before  we  reached  the  island.  The  crossing-place  is  about  twenty- 
miles  distant  from  Corpus  Christi,  and  is  certainly  the  last  place 
in  the  world  a  stranger  would  have  supposed  to  be  a  ford. 

The  Laguna  del  Madre,  an  arm  of  the  sea  which  separates  the 
island  from  the  main,  is  here  about  five  miles  wide,  and  it  really 
looks  like  going  to  sea  on  horseback  when  you  wade  off  from  the 
land,  and  direct  your  course  for  the  dimly  seen  shores  of  the 
island.  The  waves  beat  up  against  our  horses'  sides,  and  it  was 
only  with  much  difficulty  that  we  could  preserve  our  fire-arms 
from  contact  with  the  salt  water.  The  water  was  so  deep  that  it 
reached  almost  to  our  saddle-bows,  and  several  of  our  horses  nar- 
rowly escaped  being  bogged  in  the  quicksands,  which  lie  in  dan- 
gerous proximity  to  the  course  of  the  ford.  We  waded  across, 
however,  without  any  serious  mishap,  and  encamped  near  night- 
fall on  the  extreme  northern  point  of  the  island.  The  next  morn- 
ing, by  the  dawn  of  day,  we  were  on  the  march  along  the 
sea-beaten  coast.  The  island  is  uninhabited  save  by  one  old  man, 
who  follows  the  business  of  a  wrecker,  and  lives  not  far  from 
Point  Isabel,  in  a  wild-looking  place,  which  he  calls,  after  himself, 
"Tilley's  Camp."  To  describe  one  day's  travel  on  this  island 
will  be  sufficient.  Starting  early  in  the  morning,  and  riding 
until  mid-day,  we  would  stop  to  noon  it,  i.  e.  to  cook  our  provi- 
sions and  graze  our  horses  ;  resting  an  hour  or  two,  we  would  then 
continue  our  way  along  the  interminable  beach  until  we  pitched 
our  camp  at  night.  This  monotonous  course  was  pursued  from 
day  to  day,  and  never  were  a  set  of  men  or  horses  more  heartily 
tired  of  any  one  portion  of  this  earth's  surface,  than  we  and  our 
steeds  were  of  Padre's  Island.  The  island  is  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  miles  long,  and  averages  only  a  mile  in  width,  con- 
taining no  sign  of  vegetation,  save  a  species  of  sour  wiry  grass, 
which  our  horses  would  only  eat  when  compelled  by  hunger. 
There  is  not  a  single  tree  throughout  its  whole  extent.  On  all 
sides  is  to  be  seen  sand  hillocks  and  sand  wastes ;  and,  taken 
altogether,  it  is  one  of  the  most  gloomy  and  desolate  looking 
places  which  it  has  ever  been  our  bad  fortune  to  visit.  It  seemed 
to  us  to  be  a  long  slice  from  the  western  coast  of  the  desert  of 
Sahara,  detached  by  some  convulsion  of  nature,  and  floated  over 
and  anchored  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Mexico.  How  any  human 
being  could  ever  voluntarily  choose  it  as  a  place  of  residence,  we 
cannot  conceive.  Yet  old  "  Uncle  Tilley"  lives  there,  and  em- 
ploys himself  in  gathering  the  wrecks  of  cargoes  with  which  the 
beach  is  strewn,  seeming  perfectly  happy  in  his  loneliness,  the 
undisputed  lord  of  this  desert  isle. 

It  is  said,  though  since  the  commencement  of  the  Mexican  war, 
that  a  small  tribe  of  Indians — the  Carankawas — who  once  resided 


40  THE   CARANKAWAS   INDIANS. 

on  the  shores  of  Matagorda  bay,  have  removed  to  this  island,  and 
perhaps  will  yet  dispute  the  "  right  of  occupancy"  with  "  Uncle 
Tilley."  The  history  of  this  tribe  is  a  most  singular  one.  Driven 
along  the  shores  of  Texas  by  the  tide  of  white  emigration,  they 
have  found  in  every  other  Indian  tribe  implacable  foes.  Pressed 
on  by  the  whiles,  pursued  and  hunted  down  by  the  Mexicans,  de- 
feated and  cut  to  pieces  by  the  Comanches,  Lipans,  and  other 
prairie  Indians,  wherever  they  were  caught  upon  the  plains  ;  they 
gained  a  scanty  subsistence  by  gathering  oysters  along  the  sea- 
shore, and  fishing  in  the  bays.  They  finally  pitched  upon  Mata- 
gorda bay,  as  a  place  of  residence,  but  were  again  driven  out  by 
the  Texians,  who  rapidly  settled  along  the  shores.  To  be  perse- 
cuted and  oppressed,  to  be  down-trodden  and  insulted,  seemed  to 
be  the  unhappy  fate  of  this  miserable  race  ;  until,  driven  to  despe- 
ration by  their  sufferings,  they  resolved  to  put  an  end  to  their  name 
and  race  forever.  Murdering  their  women  and  children,  the  war- 
riors sought  for  some  uninhabited  island,  where  they  could  wait 
patiently  for  that  death  which  was  for  ever  to  destroy  all  traces  of 
their  tribe.  It  is  now  said,  they  have  chosen  Padre's  Island  as  a 
suitable  spot  to  linger  out  the  remnant  of  their  miserable  liyes,  and 
make  their  lonely  graves. 

About  12  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  of  May,  we  came 
in  sight  of  the  shipping  lying  at  Point  Isabel ;  and  never  was  the 
sight  of  masts  and  yards  more  welcome  to  a  land-sick  mariner, 
than  were  these  signs  of  life  and  civilization  to  eyes  which  had 
for  nearly  a  week  gazed  upon  nothing  but  one  dreary  waste  of 
sand  and  sea.  We  found  on  the  point  of  the  island  several  tents 
which  were  occupied  by  boatmen,  who  ferried  passengers  over  to 
Point  Isabel,  and  by  one  of  these  ferrymen,  we  informed  the  offi- 
cers at  the  fort  of  our  arrival,  and  signified  our  desire  to  cross  im- 
mediately. 

Taking  advantage  of  the  departure  of  the  boat,  several  of  us 
left  our  horses  in  the  care  of  our  messmates,  and  embarked  at  once 
for  the  Point.  The  Httle  craft,  favoured  by  a  fair  wind,  sped  mer- 
rily over  the  smooth  waters  of  the  bay,  and  soon  landed  us  at  the 
long  wished-for  place  of  destination.  Fort  Polk,  Frontone,  or 
Point  Isabel,  has  already  been  described.  We  found  every  thing 
in  a  state  of  excitement,  and  everybody  apparently  busy.  Every- 
where bustle  and  business  prevailed,  but  the  movements  of  every 
one  were  controlled  by  strict  order  and  discipline.  Every  thing  was 
pleasant  to  look  upon.  But  more  pleasant  to  our  eyes  than  gay 
uniforms  or  glittering  arms,  snow-white  tents,  or  banners  fluttering 
in  the  breeze,  was  the  sight  of  some  old  familiar  faces,  which  we 
had  not  gazed  upon  for  years,  but  which  were  the  first  to  welcome 
us  with  smiles  to  the  soil  of  Mexico,  and  greet  us  warmly  in  a 


PALO  ALTO  AND  RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA.        41 

Strange  land,  with  the  long  unheard,  but  unforgotten  accents  of 
home.  We  found  ourself,  through  the  kindness  of  a  relative,  who 
was  at  that  time  attached  to  the  suttler's  department,  comfortably 
quartered  within  doors,  and  although  fearing  to  expose  our  health 
by  sleeping  under  a  roof,  and  shut  up  in  a  close  house,  yet  we 
managed  to  do  justice  to  the  good  things  which  graced  his  table, 
with  an  energy  which  would  have  tasked  most  landlords'  hospi- 
tality to  the  utmost. 

The  sea  breeze,  hard  riding,  and  short  rations,  are  wonderful 
aids  to  the  appetite,  and  we  had  enjoyed  all  these  so  long  that  we 
possessed  one  so  keen  and  importunate,  that  it  would  not  have 
disgraced  a  Comanche  gourmand.  Salt  air  and  brackish  water 
make  a  decided  impression,  also,  upon  the  organs  of  thirst ;  and 
if  you  add  to  this  the  temperature  of  the  weather  at  about  90°,  it 
is  not  wonderful  that  we  abandoned  the  vulgar  drinks  of  bad 
brandy  and  execrable  whisky,  adulterated  with  salt  water,  and 
took  to  iced  sherry  cobblers  with  remarkable  avidity.  But  good 
things,  like  the  pleasant  times  of  this  world,  have  only  a  short 
duration,  and  our  enjoyments  at  Point  Isabel  lasted  only  a  few 
short  days. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  22d,  we  were  ordered  to  move  to  Mata- 
moras,  and  taking  up  our  march,  encamped  the  same  night  at  the 
first  battle-ground — the  much  talked-of  field  of  Palo  Alto.  We 
threw  out  our  line  of  sentinels,  and  spread  our  blankets  under 
some  of  the  bushes,  expecting  to  obtain  rest  and  sleep  ;  but  whe- 
ther it  was  the  woful  reflections  conjured  up  by  our  thoughts  run- 
ning upon  the  terrible  scenes  of  bloodshed  and  slaughter,  so  lately 
enacted  here,  or  that  the  musquitoes  and  galhnippers,  rendered 
pugnacious  by  association,  continued  their  bloody  attacks  and  in- 
cessant charges  upon  us,  biting  us  intolerably  from  dark  until  day, 
that  prevented  us  from  closing  our  eyes  in  sleep  that  night,  we  do 
not  know.  It  might  have  been  our  reflections  on  the  battle-ground, 
but  we  rather  think  from  the  way  the  old  campaigners  grumbled, 
that  it  was  the  musquitoes. 

General  Worth  and  stafl!'  passed  our  camp  at  midnight  on  their 
way  to  Matamoras.  The  next  day,  as  early  as  possible,  we  were 
in  our  saddles,  and  marching  to  the  same  point.  At  about  13 
o'clock,  we  arrived  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  which  still  bore  the 
fresh  signs  of  recent  and  terrible  conflict.  Strewn  about  on  every 
side  were  the  hats,  cartridge-boxes,  belts,  broken  bayonets,  and 
torn  and  bloody  garments  of  the  Mexican  soldiery;  while  the  free 
fresh  air  of  heaven  was  tainted  by  the  horrible  effluvia  arising 
from  the  dead  bodies  of  horses,  mules,  and  oxen  which  lay  on 
every  side.  To  avoid  inhaling  the  "  horrid  incense"  of  the  battle- 
field, we  rode  on,  leaving  the  wolves  and  carrion  birds  to  gorge 

4* 


42  ./  MATAMORAS. 

and  batten  undisturbed  upon  the  dainty  feast  prepared  for  their  re- 
volting appetites  by  man.  Terrible  and  sad  as  are  the  scenes  of 
savage  or  civilized  warfare ;  awful  as  are  its  sights  and  sounds,  it 
hath  no  sadder  or  more  soul-chiHing  sight,  than  the  lonely,  deserted 
battle-field ;  no  more  disgusting,  heart-freezing  soui^ds,  than  the 
snarl  and  growl  of  the  wild  wolf,  as  he  tears  his  helpless  prey,  or 
the  flapping  wings  and  discordant  cry  of  the  carrion  bird,  as  he 
stoops  to  his  hateful  feast. 

Matamoras !  Matamoras !  was  shouted  along  the  line  as  we 
came  in  sight  of  the  town  we  had  so  ardently  desired  to  see.  And 
far  in  the  distance,  with  its  white  walls  and  turrets  gleaming  in 
the  sunlight,  with  the  American  flag  floating  proudly  over  it,  we 
beheld  the  first  Mexican  town  captured  by  American  arms.  Mex- 
ican towns  are  all  magnificent  at  a  distance  ;  but  you  must  not  ap- 
proach too  closely,  unless  you  wish  to  find,  in  many  of  them,  all 
your  beautiful  dreams  of  Moorish  palaces  and  Oriental  gardens, 
orange  groves,  and  shady  avenues  immediately  fade  away,  and  in 
their  place,  cherish  recollections  of  rude  mud-built  houses,  plas- 
tered and  whitewashed  ;  windows  without  glass,  hot  dusty  streets, 
and  a  dirty,  lazy,  and  most  unpoetical-looking  set  of  inhabitants. 

As  we  approached  the  river  bank,  drums  were  beating  and  fifes 
blowing,  and  on  all  sides  were  noise  and  excitement ;  flags  flut- 
tering, arms  gleaming,  teamsters  cursing  at  their  unruly  animals ; 
soldiers  drilling,  dogs  barking,  and  Mexican  hucksters  bawling 
their  goods  at  their  voices'  tops.  Pursuing  our  way  through  the 
various  groups  which  lined  the  road  side,  we  rode  by  several  com- 
panies, who  presented  arms  as  we  passed,  and  returning  their 
salute,  we  proceeded  to  our  quarters,  which  were  almost  directly 
under  the  walls  of  Fort  Brown.  Here  we  found  Walker's  and 
Price's  companies  of  Rangers  encamped,  and  here  we  constructed 
our  tents  for  the  present, — constructed,  we  say,  because  the  go- 
vernment never  furnished  us,  during  our  whole  term  of  service, 
with  a  patch  of  canvass  large  enough  to  keep  out  a  drop  of  rain, 
or  shield  us  from  a  ray  of  the  scorching  sun.  Whether  it  was 
because  they  thought  the  Texian  troops  were  accustomed  to,  and 
could  endure  more  hardships  than  any  other  troops  in  the  field,  we 
do  not  know.  One  thing  is  certain,  they  gave  us  as  ample  an  oppor- 
tunity to  evince  our  greatest  powers  of  endurance  and  fortitude  as 
the  disciples  of  Diogenes  could  have  desired,  had  they  been  placed 
in  our  rdtom  and  stead.  We  were  left  to  shift  for  ourselves,  wholly 
unprovided  with  tents,  camp  equipage,  or  cooking  utensils.  Had 
we  been  allowed  to  appropriate  to  our  own  use  the  unoccupied 
houses  of  the  enemy,  we  would  have  asked  no  favours  from  friend 
or  foe ;  but  while  the  strictest  injunctions  were  laid  upon  us,  in 
regard  to  the  property  of  the  Mexicans,  we  were  charitably  left 


SCOUT   TOWARDS   LINARES.  43 

to  brave  unsheltered  as  much  of  the  sun  and  rain  as  heaven  pleased 
to  send  upon  us.  The  consequence  was,  that  wherever  we  were 
encamped  for  any  length  of  time,  we  were  obliged  to  construct 
rude  shelters  out  of  poles,  cane,  rushes,  or  any  other  material 
which  the  vicinity  afforded.  And  the  Rangers'  camp  frequently 
looked  iTJore  like  a  collection  of  huts  in  a  Hottentot  hamlet,  or  a 
group  of  rude  wigwams  in  an  Indian  village,  than  the  regular 
cantonment  of  volunteers  in  the  service  of  the  United  States. 

We  remained  in  camp  at  Matamoras,  until  the  12th  of  June, 
when  we  received  orders  to  follow  the  trail  of  Arista's  army  as 
far  as  practicable — ^pierce  the  country  in  the  direction  of  Linares, 
to  ascertain  the  condition  of  the  road,  the  quantity  of  water,  &c. — 
in  short,  to  discover  if  tho  route  could  possibly  be  used  for  the  line 
of  march  for  a  large  division,  with  its  artillery  and  wagons,  intended 
to  penetrate  the  enemy's  country  in  this  direction.  Much  rejoiced 
at  this  prospect  of  active  service,  we  saddled  up  with  light  hearts 
and  wiUing  hands ;  and  in  a  few  hours  after  the  order  was  received, 
we  were  ready  for  the  journey. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  we  were  busily  engaged  in  trans- 
porting ourselves  and  horses  across  the  Rio  Grande  to  the  Mata- 
moras side.  The  ferry  boats  used  for  this  purpose  were  the  same 
formerly  employed  by  the  Mexicans  at  this  point, — and  poorer 
apologies  for  ferry  boats  than  these  were,  can  scarcely  be  imagined. 
You  might  cross  half  the  rivers  in  the  world,  and  never  look  upon 
their  like  again — clumsy,  leaky  barges,  that  threatened  every  mo- 
ment to  go  to  the  bottom,  and  promised  to  deposit  their  cargoes 
anywhere  but  on  the  opposite  bank.  At  12  o'clock,  had  crossed 
the  whole  command,  and  we  moved  through  the  town  of  Mata- 
moras, to  commence  our  scout.  To  throw  upon  the  wrong  scent 
any  Mexican  spies  who  might  be  watching  our  movements,  Capt. 
McCuUoch  took  the  direct  road  to  Reynoso,  as  if  he  intended  to 
join  Col.  Wilson's  command,  which  was  stationed  at  that  post. 
Accordingly,  we  encamped  that  night,  at  the  Rancho  de  Guade- 
loupe, and  feasted  on  roasting-ears,  water-melons,  musk-melons, 
and  every  vegetable  luxury  that  the  rancho  afforded.  The  most 
of  us  had  a  little  pocket-change,  and  we  drove  a  lively  trade 
with  the  Mexicans,  for  all  the  eatables  they  could  bring  to  our 
camp.  Our  orders  were  most  strict  as  regarded  our  intercourse 
with  the  Mexicans,  and  we  were  enjoined  to  take  nothing  with- 
out giving  an  adequate  compensation.  Our  government  was  wise 
enough  to  suppose  that  they  could  conquer  the  Mexicans  by 
kindness,  and  force  them  to  a  speedy  cessation  of  hostilities,  by 
affording  them  a  ready  market  for  every  thing  they  could  ra.^se, 
and  paying  enormous  prices  for  every  thing  we  obtained  at  their 
hands.     The  policy  of  the  government  was  to  concihate  the  peo- 


44  ADVENTURES   ON    THE    LINARES    ROAD. 

pie.  How  absurd  that  policy  has  been,  the  experience  of  the  cam- 
paign has  since  exhibited.  To  us,  however,  the  policy  of  the 
government  was  nothing.  Our  second-lieutenant,  James  Allen, 
acting-commissary,  had  his  saddle-bags  well  filled  with  specie,  to 
purchase  all  the  forage  and  provisions  we  needed  on  the  road. 
Our  orders  were  most  strict,  and  most  strictly  did  we  obey  them  ; 
and,  as  far  as  our  own  knowledge  extends,  we  do  not  know  of  an 
instance  where  a  single  article  was  procured  without  they  were 
remunerated  by  more  than  twice  its  value.  The  next  morning, 
after  leaving  the  rancho,  we  followed  the  Reynoso  road  until  we 
were  out  of  sight  of  the  rancheros  ;  then  altering  our  course  to  the 
south,  struck  across  to  the  Linares  road.  This  was  the  route  fol- 
lowed by  Arista's  army  in  its  flight,  and  he  seemed  to  have  chosen 
it  because  it  was  the  one  least  likely  to  be  followed  by  the  Ameri- 
cans in  pursuit.  It  leads  over  a  rough  barren  country,  which  is 
nearly  destitute  of  water,  and  is  almost  impracticable  for  an  army, 
which  is  compelled  to  move  like  ours,  accompanied  by  large  trains 
of  heavy  baggage  wagons.  During  the  day,  the  horse  of  one  of 
our  party  became  so  lame  that  it  was  found  impossible  for  him  to 
proceed  further,  and  the  man  was  consequently  compelled  to  return 
to  Matamoras.  The  incidents  of  the  day  were  rather  of  a  cooling 
than  an  exciting  nature,  for  we  were  visited  by  frequent  showers 
of  rain,  which  soaked  us  to  the  skin.  But  although  it  thoroughly 
wetted  our  bodies,  it  could  not  dampen  our  spirits,  and  we  rode  on 
our  way  as  merrily,  with  song,  and  laugh,  and  jest,  as  if,  instead 
of  riding  on  a  perilous  scout,  we  had  been  gayly  trooping  to  a 
wedding  or  a  fair.  Just  before  daylight,  on  the  third  morning 
after  our  departure,  our  sentinels  challenged  a  party  of  Mexicans 
who  were  travelling  to  Matamoras.  Our  camp  was  immediately 
upon  the  road-side,  and  of  course  no  one  could  travel  it  without  our 
knowledge  and  consent.  Capt.  McCulloch  and  several  of  the  men 
were  saddling  the  horses  previous  to  an  early  start,  and  when  the 
sentinel  hailed,  McCulloch  rode  out  to  see  the  party.  "Q,uien 
vive?"  challenged  the  leader  of  the  ranchero  party.  "  Amigos," 
replied  McCulloch,  riding  up.  "Nuestros  amigos; — los  malditos 
Americanos,"  cried  the  ranchero,  presenting  his  escopeite  at  McCul- 
loch's  breast.  "  Saddle  up,  men,  and  follow  me  !"  shouted  he,  as 
he  charged  at  once  into  the  astonished  group  of  Mexicans.  They 
fled  in  consternation  at  finding  a  large  party,  where  they  expected 
to  see  only  a  iew  men,  and  bolted  at  top  speed  for  the  chaparral, 
which  was  only  a  few  hundred  yards  distant  from  the  road.  Right 
happy  was  it  for  them  that  they  possessed  so  much  the  advantage 
of  the  start,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  ground  over  which  they  ran, 
for  there  was  hot  blood  at  their  heels,  and  half  a  dozen  reckless 
fellows,  mounted  on  the  fleetest  horses  in  the  company,  followed 


VESTIGES   OF   A   MEXICAN    CAMP.  45 

our  captain,  in  the  mad  pursuit.  The  ground  was  so  uneven,  and 
full  of  holes,  that  several  of  our  horses  fell  in  the  chase  ;  and  this, 
together  with  the  want  of  sufficient  light,  enabled  them  to  effect 
their  escape.  But  so  hotly  were  they  pressed,  that  several  of 
them  abandoned  their  horses,  guns,  pistols,  spurs,  and  in  fact 
every  thing  that  could  be  dropped,  and  took  to  the  chaparral  on 
foot,  where  they  were  safe,  as  we  could  not  follow  them  into  it  on 
horseback.  The  pursuing  party  returned  to  camp  with  the  booty, 
after  finding  that  further  pursuit  was  useless  ;  and  much  was  our 
disappointment,  afterwards,  on  learning  that  one  of  the  fugitives 
was  the  murderer  of  Col.  Cross, — the  notorious  ranchero  chief 
and  robber.  Bias  Falcon.  One  of  the  young  men  who  was  fore- 
most in  the  chase,  was  so  severely  injured  by  falling  upon  his 
knife,  when  his  horse  fell  under  him,  as  to  render  it  impossible  for 
him  to  proceed  further ;  and  as  we  had  already  passed  several 
ranches,  it  was  deemed  prudent  to  send  several  men  with  him,  as 
an  escort  to  Matamoras. 

This  reduced  our  party  to  thirty-five,  all  told,  for  we  had  only 
selected  forty  of  the  best  mounted  men  in  the  company  for  this 
expedition.  "  It  would  be  difficult,"  says  Mr.  Kendall,  who  was 
one  of  our  party,  "  to  picture  the  astonishment  and  alarm  at  the 
different  ranches,  as  the  Rangers  entered  them ;  or  the  conster- 
nation of  those  upon  whom  we  came  suddenly  upon  the  road.  By 
forced  night  marches,  our  commander  frequently  got  upon  the 
other  side  of  some  of  the  settlements,  and  rode  into  them,  as  if 
direct  from  Monterey  or  Linares,  and  going  towards  Matamoras. 
By  doubling  and  twisting  about,  they  were  thrown  completely  off 
the  scent,  and  were  willing  to  answer  any  questions  with  a  readi- 
ness which  showed  that  they  thought  life  or  death  depended  upon 
their  alacrity." 

At  El  Ebonilla,  we  procured  a  supply  of  corn,  sufficient  to  last 
our  horses  for  two  days.  We  here  also  received  the  unwelcome 
intelligence,  that  there  were  no  more  ranches  on  the  road  at  which 
this  important  article  could  be  obtained.  We  pushed  on  as  far  as 
we  could  make  the  supply  last,  and  on  the  road  met  many  parties 
of  Mexicans,  whose  evident  alarm  and  surprise  convinced  us  that 
we  were  unlooked-for  travellers  in  this  part  of  the  country.  We 
passed  several  of  the  camps  where  Arista  had  rested  his  army, 
during  its  rapid  retreat  to  Linares.  The  camping  place  was  al- 
ways marked  by  the  rags,  and  old  worn-out  shoes  and  sandals  that 
the  soldiers  had  left  behind  ;  and  occasionally  the  ground  was 
strewn  with  stray  cards  from  a  montepack,  showing  that  even  in 
their  hasty  flight  they  had  found  time  to  indulge  in  that  passion, 
which  is  most  deeply  seated  in  a  Mexican's  nature — the  love  of 
gambling.  ^^_  ;^; 


46  USE  OF  arista's  map. 

Our  camp,  on  the  night  of  the  20th  of  June,  was  in  a  pleasant 
musquit-grove,  while  the  ground  around  it  afforded  ample  pastur- 
age for  our  horses.      We   had  learned  the  day  before,  from  some 
Mexican  shepherds,  that  there  was  no  water  to  be  found  on  the 
road,  from  this  point  to  Linares,  a  distance  of  about  sixty  miles. 
Capt.  McCulloch  thought  it  advisable  to  ascertain  this  fact,  before 
he  proceeded  farther,  and  accordingly  despatched  Lieut.  McMul- 
len  with  ten  men,  to  a  water-hole  about  ten  miles  ahead,  that  was 
marked  as  unfailing,  to  discover  if  our  informants  or  our  map  of 
the  country  were  wrong.     Lieut.  McMullen   pushed   on  to   the 
water-hole,  and  found  it  dry,  and  then  riding  within  thirty  miles 
of  Linares,  returned  with  the  unwelcome    intelligence  to  camp. 
This  was  the  first  instance  in  which  we  had  discovered  a  mistake 
in  our  chart,  it  being  for  the  most  part  admirably  correct.     The 
map  was  furnished  to  Capt.  McCulloch  by  Gen.  Taylor,  being 
an  accurate  copy  of  the  one  found  in  Gen.  Arista's  military  chest, 
captured  at  the   battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma.     It  was  a  most 
minute  and  accurate  picture  of  the  face  of  the  country,  between 
the  Rio  Grande  and  the  "  Sierra  del  Madre,"  and  every  rancho 
and  village,  every  road  or  mountain  path,  every  water-pond  and 
insignificant  streamlet  were  marked  down  with  a  truthfulness  and 
precision,  which  we  found  but  rarely  at  fault,  and  which,  consi- 
dering the  vast  extent  of  country  it  represented,  was  really  aston- 
ishing.    The  map  was   common  property  in  camp,  and  we   all 
studied  it  so  well  that  we  soon  had  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
face  and  bearing  of  the  whole  country,  stretching  from  the  moun- 
tain  ridges  to  the  Avaters  of  the  Rio  Grande.     This   knowledge 
was  of  much  importance  to  all  of  us ;  as  frequently  during  our 
scouts  a  separation  of  the  command  was  unavoidable,  and  often  a 
single  man  would  have  to  depend  upon  his  own  knowledge  and 
skill,  to  pilot   himself  through  many  miles  of  a  wilderness  into 
camp. 

Finding  it  impossible  to  proceed  much  farther  in  this  direction, 
and  having  ascertained  that  this  route  was  impracticable  as  a  line 
of  march  for  a  large  division  of  our  army,  on  account  of  the  scar- 
city of  water,  our  captain  determined  to  leave  the  Linares  road, 
and  strike  across  to  the  main  road,  leading  from  Matamoras  to 
Monterey.  The  result  of  the  reconnoissance  on  the  Linares  road 
was  as  follows  : — First,  that  this  route  from  Matamoras  to  Monte- 
rey was  not  as  practicable  a  one  for  the  advance  of  our  troops, 
when  they  sought  to  penetrate  to  the  mountains,  as  the  route  via 
Comargo  and  Serralvo.  Secondly,  that  Arista  had  removed  the 
greater  portion  of  his  forces  from  Linares  to  Monterey,  leaving  a 
garrison  in  the  former  place  of  1000  infantry,  and  a  few  squadrons 
of  cavalry ;  and,  lastly,  that  Gen.  Canales  was  at  that  time  en- 


A   HOT   DAY   IN   JUNE.  47 

gaged  in  recruiting  rancheros,  not  far  from  us  on  the  Monterey- 
road.  To  strike  the  "  chaparral  fox"  in  his  own  hills — slaughter 
his  band,  and  take  "  reynard"  himself  captive,  was  a  thing  above 
all  others  McCulloch  most  desired  to  do.  So,  having  accomplish- 
ed his  commands,  in  regard  to  the  information  above  mentioned, 
he  determined  to  strike  suddenly  across  to  the  Monterey  road,  and 
endeavour  to  obtain  a  fight,  or  a  foot-race,  out  of  the  ranchero 
general. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  then,  our  course  was  changed,  and 
we  rode  off  at  a  right  angle  from  our  former  route.  A  Mexican 
shepherd  whom  we  forced  to  accompany  us  as  a  guide,  warned 
us,  that  in  the  direction  we  were  going  we  would  find  no  water, 
and  advised  us  to  follow  another  course,  which  he  said  would  lead 
to  the  same  point,  and  that  though  the  way  was  longer,  still  it  was 
plentifully  suppHed  with  water-holes.  The  road  he  pointed  out 
did  not  lead  in  exactly  the  direction  we  thought  we  ought  to  travel, 
and  not  having  implicit  confidence  in  the  honesty  of  his  intentions, 
he  was  ordered  peremptorily  to  lead  us  on  the  first-named  course. 
On  we  vamosed  over  high  rocky  hills  and  immense  level  plains, 
through  thicket  and  brake,  over  dingle  and  dell ;  sometimes  passing 
along  hill  sides  thickly  covered  with  wesatchee  bushes,  (the  acacia,) 
which  were  all  in  full  bloom,  and  the  modest  Httle  yellow  flowers 
gave  to  the  morning  air  a  fragrance  which  was  dehghtful  to  inhale. 
Sometimes  we  followed  the  trail  of  innumerable  droves  of  wild 
horses  that  roamed  in  freedom  over  this  immense  range  of  waste 
country.  Sometimes  we  travelled  for  miles,  without  a  single  sign 
to  guide  us  over  the  untrodden  hills,  but  the  position  of  the  sun 
in  the  heavens,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  course  we  wished  to  pursue. 

The  21st  of  June,  we  shall  long  remember  as  a  day  of  great 
suffering  and  fatigue.  It  was  the  longest  day  in  the  year,  and  by 
far  the  hottest  we  ever  experienced  ;  to  add,  too,  to  our  misery, 
there  was  not  a  single  breath  of  air  to  fan  our  burning  brows,  or 
cool  our  fevered  cheeks.  A  vertical  sun  poured  down  his  fiery 
rays  upon  us  the  live-long  day,  without  even  once  veiling  his  fierce 
glare  by  the  shadow  of  a  passing  cloud.  "Hot!  hot!  hot!"  would 
ejaculate  some  half-fainting  one. 

"  You  had  better  say,  '  scorching  and  roasting,'  "  retorted  his 
file-leader. 

"  By  the  forge  of  Vulcan,"  drawled  a  classical  youth,  whose 
love  of  the  romantic  had  led  him  to  join  the  Rangers — "  By  the 
forge  of  Vulcan,  the  weather  is  intensely  warm." 

"  I  don't  know  what  blacksmith  you  are  talking  about,  young- 
ster," growled  an  old  Ranger  at  his  side ;  "  but  if  you'd  say  that 
a  volcano  was  an  ice-house  to  this  place,  you'd  come  nigher  the 
mark,  I  reckon." 


48  THE   WATER-HOLE. 

The  weather  was  so  unmercifully  hot,  that  to  prevent  our  horses' 
backs  from  scalding,  we  had  frequently  to  dismount,  and  unsaddle, 
and  rub  them  dry  before  we  could  proceed.  The  poor  beasts 
seemed  to  feel  the  heat  more  sensibly,  if  possible,  than  we  did. 
The  tardy  step,  the  half-closed  eye,  the  drooping  head,  and 
the  panting  and  expanded  nostril,  plainly  manifested  the  degree 
and  extent  of  their  sufferings.  Water  was  demanded  on  every 
side.  We  had  emptied  our  gourds  and  canteens  of  their  con- 
tents early  in  the  day,  and  were  now  suffering  intolerably  from 
thirst. 

"  Water !  can't  that  infernal  guide  find  us  water  ?"  shouted  a 
voice  in  the  rear. 

"  Keep  quiet  there,  men,"  said  McCulloch  ;  "  scatter  out  on  both 
sides  of  the  road,  and  see  if  you  can  find  a  water-hole." 

The  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  men  rode  off'  in  all  di- 
rections to  prosecute  the  search. 

The  sun  was  about  half  an  hour  high,  when  a  horseman  came 
galloping  up  with  the  joyful  news  that  he  had  found  a  water-hole 
about  half  a  mile  to  the  right.  Helter-skelter,  without  order  the 
party  scampered  off'  to  reach  the  quenching  nectar  of  their  burn- 
ing thirst.  It  was  a  wild,  hard  race,  but  McCulloch  reached  it 
first,  and  dismounting,  threatened  to  shoot  the  first  man  that  rode 
into  the  pond.  The  water-hole  was  a  mere  mud-puddle  at  best, 
and  could  not  have  contained  much  over  a  hogshead  of  water; 
so  that,  had  not  our  captain  taken  the  precautions  he  did,  it 
would  not  have  sufficed  for  half  of  the  company.  For  man  and 
beast  had  suffered  so  much  for  want  of  water,  that  when  they  did 
reach  it,  they  were  inclined  to  rush  into  the  middle  of  the  pond, 
which  would  have  rendered  it  unfit,  even  for  the  animals.  The 
order  was  now  given  for  every  man  to  dismount  and  fill  his  can- 
teen and  gourd,  and  drink  sufficient  to  satisfy  himself ;  after- 
wards the  horses  were  led  up  to  the  edge,  and  allowed  to  drink 
without  muddying  the  water.  Notwithstanding  it  was  stagnant 
and  lukewarm,  it  was  drunk  with  avidity.  The  pack-mules'  turn 
came  next,  but  they  were  not  so  easily  managed,  for  in  spite  of  our 
exertions,  two  or  three  broke  away,  and  after  running  into  the 
middle  of  the  little  pond,  and  taking  their  fill,  they  rolled  over  and 
over  into  the  mud,  seeming  to  enjoy  extremely  the  pleasures 
of  the  bath.  Luckily  for  them,  we  had  all  drunk  as  much  as 
we  wanted,  or  the  poor  beasts  would  have  paid  dearly  for  their 
pleasure. 

Several  of  the  men,  who  had  wandered  about  during  the  day 
in  search  of  water,  had  eaten  large  quantities  of  the  ripe  prickly 
pear,  which  grows  in  great  abundance  all  over  the  country.  The 
fruit  is  much  in  shape  hke  a  pear,  of  a  blood  red  colour,  very 


A    MAJOR   IN   THE   RANKS.  49 

juicy,  and  full  of  small  seeds ;  the  outside  is  covered  with  fine 
furz,  which  is  sharper  to  the  touch  than  the  points  of  fine  cam- 
bric needles.  Those  who  had  thus  indulged,  paid  dearly  for  it — 
for  that  night  they  were  taken  down  with  a  violent  fever  and  ague, 
which  this  fruit  invariably  produces  on  those  who  have  not  be- 
come acclimated. 

The  guard  was  posted,  and  as  we  spread  our  blankets  down 
that  night,  after  the  severe  day's  travel,  we  congratulated  each 
other  on  the  pleasant  night  we  would  pass  after  all  our  fatigue. 
In  truth  it  was  a  peerless  night ;  there  was  not  a  single  cloud  to 
mar  the  deep  blue  of  the  boundless  sky,  and  the  moon's  bright 
orb,  like  some  vast  silver  shield  hung  midway  in  the  vault  of 
heaven,  shedding  a  world  of  light  upon  the  quiet  scene.  It 
chanced  that  we  had  spread  our  blanket  down  by  the  side  of  one 
of  our  messmates,  who  was  a  veteran  of  the  Texas  wars.  Major 
R.  was  among  the  first  who  emigrated  from  Kentucky  to  Texas. 
He  had  commanded  a  company  at  San  Jacinto ;  fought  through 
the  Federal  war,  was  Lieutenant-colonel  at  the  "Parbon  fight," 
and  now,  with  the  unasking  modesty  and  unambitious  zeal  of  a 
true  Texian,  had,  when  his  country  needed  his  services,  come  out  at 
her  call,  as  a  simple  private  in  a  ranging  corps.  The  Major  was  a 
fine  companion,  and  a  specimen  of  the  gallantry  and  chivalry  of 
"  olden  days."  He  had  been  through  the  "  tug  of  war,"  and  as 
he  expressed  it,  "  having  seen  the  elephant^  he  was  now  going  to 
see  the  ca-r«-van."  It  happened  that  we  were  provided  with  a 
water-proof  cloth,  which,  upon  this  occasion,  we  proposed  to 
spread  over  both  the  Major  and  ourself,  to  keep  off  the  heavy 
dews.  The  Major  readily  accepted  the  proposition,  and  we 
"  spooned"  up  together  as  affectionately  as  possible.  About  mid- 
night we  were  awakened  by  a  tremendous  thunder  peal,  and 
found  that  a  storm  had  been  brewing  during  our  sleep ;  the  sky 
was  as  black  as  ink,  and  the  rain  coming  down  in  torrents ;  we 
drew  our  head  under  the  water-proof,  and  were  piously  engaged 
in  praying  for  those  poor  fellows  who  were  exposed  to  the  fury  of 
the  storm,  without  any  shelter  whatever,  when  we  suddenly  felt 
a  little  rivulet  commence  its  meanderings  under  the  very  spot 
where  our  blankets  were  spread.  The  "windows  of  heaven  were 
opened,"  and  the  flood  still  continued  to  rise  higher  and  higher. 

The  under  blanket  was  now  completely  saturated,  and  the 
water  still  continued  to  rise.  We  discovered  that  we  were  lying 
in  a  litile  gully  which  was  rapidly  filling,  but  bore  our  affliction 
as  quietly  as  possible,  and  without  murmuring,  being  ashamed  to 
grumble  while  the  Major  slept  so  soundly.  But  it  was  past 
endurance,  for  the  water  had  now  risen  half  way  up  our  side, 
filling  our  powder-horn,  which  was  unfortunately  unstopped,  and 

5 


50  A   WET   NIGHT   IN   CAMP. 

becoming  desperate,  we  awoke  the  Major,  and  asked  him  if  it 
would  not  be  advisable  to  shift  our  quarters  ?  Stopping  one  of  his 
long  snores,  with  a  loud  snort,  the  Major  showed  his  head  from 
under  cover,  and  inquired  what  we  wanted. 

"Bless  me,"  cried  he  in  the  same  breath,  "  why,  it  is  raining  ! 
The  ground  is  getting  damp  too." 

"  We  think  it  is.  Major,  and  if  we  don't  leave  this  pretty- 
soon,  we  shall  be  washed  off*.     Let's  move  to  some  dryer  place." 

"Lie  down,  'Jim,'  lie  down  and  go  to  sleep.  Don't  you  see 
that  we  have  got  this  puddle  of  water  warm  now,  by  the  heat  of 
our  bodies,  and  if  we  move,  we  shall  only  get  into  another,  and 
take  cold.  So  lie  down, '  Jim,'  and  go  to  sleep  ;  it's  nothing  when 
you  get  used  to  it." 

We  could  not  but  admire  the  Major's  philosophy,  but,  notwith- 
standing, we  had  not  yet  become  a  sufficient  convert  of  hydropathy 
as  to  sleep  in  the  v)arm  puddle!  So  taking  up  our  blanket,  much 
against  the  Major's  will,  we  sat  down  at  the  foot  of  a  tree,  and 
slept  for  the  remainder  of  the  night  in  that  position.  That  a  man 
can  sleep,  and  soundly  too,  half  immersed  in  water,  may  seem 
strange  to  those  who  have  never  spent  much  time  in  the  woods  ; 
but  to  those  who  are  well  acquainted  with  a  frontierlife,  it  appears 
natural  enough,  and  we  can  assure  the  skeptical,  that  the  forego- 
ing anecdote  is  literally  true. 

The  next  morning,  as  soon  as  our  blankets  were  sufficiently 
dry,  we  mounted,  and  again  advanced  towards  the  Monterey 
road.  Our  way  now  lay  for  the  most  part  across  bald  and  rocky 
hills.  About  noon  we  came  upon  a  little  pond  in  the  hills,  which 
was  stagnant,  the  surface  covered  with  a  green  scum,  and  the 
water  itself  almost  warm  enough  to  make  coffee.  Yet  as  none 
better  was  to  be  had,  we  were  obliged  to  drink  it,  and  notwithstand- 
ing its  nauseousness,  it  served  to  quench  our  thirst.  Shortly  after 
leaving  this  pond  we  came  in  sight  of  the  Monterey  road,  and  by 
our  sudden  descent  from  the  hills,  alarmed  a  merchant  very  much, 
who  was  carting  his  goods  to  Monterey.  That  we  were  a  band 
of  robbers  he  was  quite  sure  at  first,  from  our  appearance,  and 
great  was  his  delight  when  he  found  out  his  mistake.  We  pur- 
chased some  corn  from  his  carts,  and  also  procured  a  supply  of 
dried  beef.  While  "nooning  it"  at  the  carts,  a  solitary  horseman 
turned  the  angle  of  the  road,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  ahead  of 
us,  and  halted  in  evident  alarm,  when  he  saw  the  bad  company 
he  was  about  to  fall  in  with  on  his  road.  He  was  about  to  turn 
and  fly,  when  he  perceived  about  a  dozen  of  the  boys  mounting 
to  seek  his  company,  so  mustering  up  his  courage  he  concluded  to 
venture  boldly  into  our  camp,  as  escape  was  out  of  the  question. 
As  the  horseman  rode  up,  his  salute  was  returned,  and  before  he 


THE   MAIL   ROBBERY.  51 

could  well  make  an  excuse,  which  was  hanging  on  his  lips,  he 
was  immediately  interrupted  by  a  shout  of  "the  mail  rider!"  the 
bag  which  he  carried  having  betrayed  him.  It  proved  to  be  the 
Mexican  mail  from  Monterey  to  Matamoras.  The  poor  fellow 
thought  his  time  had  come.  Our  captain  overhauling  the  mail, 
the  letters  were  opened  and  examined,  and  such  of  them  as  were 
of  a  public  nature  were  reserved  for  General  Taylor's  inspection; 
the  rest  were  returned  to  the  bag,  when  the  man  was  allowed  to 
proceed  quietly  on  his  route.  His  disappointment  was  so  great  in 
not  being  shot,  that  he  made  light  of  losing  his  letters,  and  mount- 
ing his  pony,  with  a  bland  smile,  bade  us  good-day.  This  was 
the  first  and  only  mail  robbery  in  which  we  ever  were  engaged, 
and  we  had  no  idea  before  how  easy  the  recollection  of  the  evil 
deed  would  rest  upon  a  man's  conscience. 

We  were  unable  to  gain  any  farther  information  about  Canales, 
only  that  he  had  been  on  this  road  about  a  week  ago ;  but  of  his  pre- 
sent whereabouts  we  could  not  gain  the  sHghtest  clew.  So  finding 
it  useless  to  follow  a  cold  trail.  Captain  McCulloch,  in  pursuance 
of  his  orders,  turned  his  course  towards  Reynoso.  As  we  drew 
near  the  town,  which  was  yet  in  the  distance,  we  could  plainly 
hear  the  beating  of  the  drums  marshaling  the  garrison  to  arms. 
The  flat-house  tops  were  covered  with  men  and  officers  ;  the  latter 
were  spying  with  their  glasses  and  endeavouring  to  make  out  our 
character  and  number.  To  see  a  body  of  armed  men  approaching 
from  the  very  quarter  in  which  they  expected  the  enemy,  was 
enough  to  excite  apprehensions  of  an  attack.  And  as  we  rode 
into  town  as  if  direct  from  Monterey,  the  garrison  very  naturally 
mistook  us  for  the  advance  guard  of  a  Mexican  force.  We  en- 
joyed their  mistake  very  much,  and  as  we  dismounted  in  the 
plaza,  the  officers  came  out  to  greet  us,  saying  that  having  at  first 
mistrusted  us,  they  were  preparing  to  give  us  a  warm  welcome, 
instead  of  a  hearty  greeting. 

A  few  days  after  this,  we  learned  that  Canales  had,  at  one  time, 
been  within  a  few  miles  of  us,  with  a  force  of  several  hundred 
men.  "  That  he  was  aware,"  says  Mr.  Kendall,  in  one  of  his 
letters,  "  of  Capt.  McCulloch  being  in  his  neighbourhood,  there  is 
but  little  doubt ;  but  whether  he  was  unable  to  catch  up  with  the 
hurried  and  complicated  movements  of  the  Texians,  or  fearful  of 
giving  them  battle,  is  more  than  this  deponent  can  say.  I  say  hur- 
ried and  complicated  movements  of  the  Texians,  because,  from  the 
time  of  our  leaving  Matamoras,  to  our  reaching  this  place,  the 
men  never  took  off  their  coats,  boots,  or  spurs ;  not  an  extra  or 
second  shirt  was  carried  by  one  of  them;  and  although  the  wea- 
ther was  rainy  much  of  the  time,  and  two  heavy  northers  visited 


52  CAMP   AT   REYNOSO. 

US  while  encamped,  there  was  not  a  minute  when  any  man's 
pistol  or  rifle  would  have  missed  fire,  or  he  would  not  have  been 
up  and  ready  for  an  attack.  I  have  seen  a  goodly  number  of 
volunters  in  my  time,  but  Capt.  Ben.  McCuUoch's  men  are  choice 
specimens." 

We  encamped  under  some  shade  trees,  on  the  outskirts  of  the 
village  of  Reynoso,  and  thus  ended  the  first  scout  in  which  our 
company  was  engaged. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Camp  at  Reynoso — Scenes  and  Incidents — An  Express  leaves  for  Matamo- 
ras — Lieut.  McMullen  left  in  Command — Attempt  to  capture  Canales  at  a 
Fandango — The  Festival  of  St.  Juan — The  Chicken  Race — Celebration  of 
the  Fourth  of  July — Pursuit  of  a  Band  of  Robbers — The  Arrival  of  the 
remainder  of  the  Company  at  Reynoso — Our  March  to  Comargo — Bill  Dean's 
Story — Arrival  at  Comargo. 

The  first  few  days  that  we  were  encamped  near  Reynoso,  our 
ears  were  constantly  assailed  with  rumours  of  contemplated  night 
attacks,  and  horrible  accounts  of  the  weight  of  Mexican  vengeance 
which  was  about  to  be  visited  upon  our  heads,  for  having  dared  to 
take  possession  of  this  pompous  little  village.  At  one  time,  we 
would  be  told  by  the  bright-eyed  Senoras — who,  with  pitying  looks 
and  confiding  accents,  whispered  their  doleful  tales  into  our  unbe- 
lieving ears — that  Col.  Juan  Seguin,  with  all  his  valiant  followers, 
would  pounce  upon  us  that  very  night ;  yes,  that  very  night,  and 
as  sure  as  fate,  cut  all  our  throats  from  ear  to  ear.  "  Holy  Mother 
of  God,  how  horrible  !"  And  the  sweet  creatures  would  go  weep- 
ing away,  as  if  they  really  beheved  every  word  they  had  told  us 
was  true. 

The  next  day,  it  was  not  Juan  Seguin,  but  Gen.  Canales,  with 
his  gallant  rancheros  who  was  to  exterminate  us ;  and  when  nei- 
ther of  these  made  his  appearance,  it  was  some  other  redoubtable 
champion  of  Mexican  liberty  that  was  to  sweep  us  from  the  face 
of  the  earth,  and  destroy  our  whole  force  effectually  and  entirely. 
But  finding  that  their  dreadful  accounts  of  threatened  attacks,  and 
their  confidential  statements  of  the  number  and  force  of  the  over- 
whelming army  that  was  shortly  to  extirpate  us,  produced  no  other 
effect  in  camp  than  to  increase  our  merriment ;  and  their  pruden- 
tial advice,  so  far  from  causing  us  to  double  our  precautions,  or 
place  an  extra  man  on  duty,  was  received  only  with  derision  and 
contempt,  they  determined  to  abandon  us  to  our  fate  as  a  set  of 


POPULATION    OF   REYNOSO.  53 

hardened  wretches,  entirely  too  old  to  be  either  harassed  or  an- 
noyed by  crediting  false  stories,  or  believing  false  alarms.  We 
afterwards  learned  that  they  had  been  playing  the  same  game  on 
Col.  Wilson,  and  for  some  time  previous  to  our  arrival  the  colo- 
nel had  had  his  command  on  double  duty,  fearful,  from  the  in- 
formation he  daily  received  from  the  friendly  town-people,  that 
there  was  a  large  Mexican  force  in  his  immediate  neighbourhood, 
only  waiting  a  favourable  moment  to  sweep  down  on  him  like  an 
avalanche. 

So  deep  and  inveterate  was  the  hatred  cherished  by  the  people 
of  this  place  against  the  Americans,  that  they  resorted  to  these 
means  as  a  plan  to  harass  and  annoy  our  troops,  when  they  found 
no  other  mode  left  them  to  gratify  their  spite  and  ill-will.  From 
all  we  could  learn  of  its  history,  its  population,  and  its  reputation, 
we  were  disposed  to  consider  the  town  of  Reynoso  as  the  most 
rascally  place  in  all  Mexico.  The  town  itself  is  well  enough,  but 
the  inhabitants  are  a  set  of  the  most  irreclaimable  scoundrels  that 
are  to  be  found  anywhere  in  the  valley  of  the  Rio  Grande — a  race 
of  brigands,  whose  avowed  occupation  is  rapine  and  murder.  It 
M^as  here  that  the  Mier  prisoners  were  treated  so  inhumanly,  as 
they  were  marched  through  on  their  way  to  the  Castle  of  Perote ; 
the  men  cursing  and  stoning  them,  as  they  moved  through  the 
streets,  and  the  women  spitting  on  them,  with  all  the  malice  of 
she-wolves.  It  was  this  place,  too,  that  many  of  the  robbing  par- 
ties which  ravaged  the  Texian  frontier  acknowledged  as  their 
head-quarters.  And  some  of  the  scoundrels  who  were  engaged 
in  the  "  Rogers'  massacre,"  lived  here  in  peace  and  security.  Yes ! 
some  of  the  incarnate  fiends,  who  had  committed  the  most  horrible 
outrages  and  atrocities  upon  the  members  of  that  most  unfortunate 
family,  boldly  walked  the  streets  of  Reynoso,  and  with  the  most 
consummate  impudence,  seemed  fond  of  parading  themselves  di- 
rectly before  our  very  eyes.  Yet,  such  was  the  mild  forbearance, 
and  gentle  conciliatory  policy  of  our  government  towards  this  people, 
that  we  were  not  allowed  to  apprehend  and  punish  these  villains 
as  they  deserved,  or  visit  upon  them  the  speedy  and  terrible  ven- 
geance they  so  richly  merited  from  Texian  hands. 

Our  orders  were  most  strict  not  to  molest  any  unarmed  Mexican, 
and  if  some  of  the  most  notorious  of  these  villains  were  found  shot, 
or  hung  up  in  the  chaparral,  during  our  visit  to  Reynoso,  the  go- 
vernment was  charitably  bound  to  suppose,  that  during  some  fit  of 
remorse  and  desperation,  tortured  by  conscience  for  the  many  evil 
deeds  they  had  committed,  they  had  recklessly  laid  violent  hands 
upon  their  oivn  lives  I     "  Gluien  sabe  ?" 

The  steamboat  "Aid"  having  arrived,  and  discharged  her  cargo 

5* 


54  A  NIGHT   IN    CAMP. 

of  anny  stores,  was  about  to  return  to  Matamoras,  when  Captain 
McCulloch,  Mr.  Kendall,  and  a  few  others,  determined  to  go  down 
in  her;  Capt.  McC.  to  conduct  the  rest  of  the  company  from 
Matamoras  to  Reynoso,  and  Mr.  Kendall  to  seek  more  comfortable 
quarters  than  Reynoso  afforded.  The  following  description  of 
our  situation  in  camp  was  written  by  him,  the  night  previous  to 
his  departure : — 

"  But  if  Reynoso  was  not  beleaguered  by  armed  men,  and  if  no 
villanous  saltpetre  was  burnt,  nor  lead  thrown,  we  passed  any 
thing  but  a  comfortable  night  of  it.  The  early  part  was  most  dis- 
agreeably hot  and  sultry — enough  of  itself  to  prevent  sleep,  although 
we  were  encamped  out  of  doors,  and  on  the  hard  ground ;  but  to 
add  to  this,  every  dog  in  the  town  kept  up  a  most  incessant  barking, 
and  each  separate  whelp  seemed  engaged  in  an  attempt  to  out- 
bark  and  out-howl  his  neighbour.  How  many  dogs  there  are  in 
Reynoso,  1  have  no  means  of  ascertaining,  there  being  no  tax  upon 
the  curs,  nor  any  statistics  from  which  correct  information  can  be 
obtained  ;  yet,  as  the  number  of  inhabitants  is  put  down  at  3000, 
I  should  think  that  by  multiplying  them  by  750 — ^judging  from  the 
noise  they  make  altogether — you  might  get  somewhere  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  number  of  dogs.  When  we  have  no  positive  data 
to  go  upon,  we  are  obliged  to  resort  to  guess-work.  Well,  these  ras- 
cally whelps  barked  away  the  hours  until  a  rain-storm  came  up, 
and  then  we  had  a  thunder  gust  for  an  accompaniment.  Pleasant 
country,  this !  but  rather  hard  on  that  portion  of  the  American 
people  this  side  the  Rio  Grande.  Do  you  know  that  I  sometimes 
think  of  the  St.  Charles,  the  Verandah,  and  of  Hewlett's — their 
sumptuous  dinners  and  comfortable  beds  ! 

"Yet,  with  all  the  drawbacks  above  enumerated,  we  atill  made 
out  to  nap  it  awhile,  towards  morning.  I  could  not  heljrlaughing 
at  a  young  Ranger,  whose  blanket  was  within  good  hearing  distance 
of  mine.  '  Well,'  said  he,  ♦  if  I'd  been  told  when  I  left  Mississippi, 
a  year  ago  last  Spring,  by  any  one  of  my  particular  friends,  that 
I  could  ever  sleep  in  this  way — that  I  could  ever  catch  a  wink 
with  all  my  clothes  on,  belted  round  with  two  pistols  and  a  bovvie, 
boots  on,  and  spurs  to  boot, — out  doors,  on  the  ground,  and  in  a 
single  blanket,  and  raining  at  that,  I'd  a  told  him  that  he  lied,  sure.* 
It's  pretty  much  so." 

After  the  departure  of  Capt.  McCulloch,  the  command  of  our 
party  devolved  upon  Lieut.  McMullen,  and  upon  a  better  officer 
it  could  not  have  fallen.  A  few  days  after,  two  officers  of  the 
Mexican  army  were  apprehended  in  Reynoso,  and  detained  as 
spies,  until  the  commands  of  Gen.  Taylor  in  regard  to  them  could 
be  obtained.    McMullen  was  called  upon  by  Col.  Wilson  to  fur- 


A  soldier's  quarters.  55 

nish  men  to  bear  an  express  to  Matamoras,  and  accordingly  five 
men,  under  Sergt.  Gibson,  were  detailed  for  this  duty.  This 
reduced  our  party  to  about  twenty-five  men.  The  rainy  season 
in  Mexico  had  now  set  in  ;  our  camp,  which  was  near  the  river 
bank,  was  soon  ankle  deep  in  mud  ;  the  heavy  rain  continued  to 
fall  incessantly  ;  we  were  unable  to  cook  our  food,  or  to  sleep  with 
any  degree  of  comfort,  for  our  clothes  and  blankets  were  tho- 
roughly saturated  with  water  night  and  day.  Lieut.  McMuUen 
represented  the  unpleasantness  of  our  situation  to  Col.  Wilson, 
and  entreated  him  to  allow  us  to  occupy  some  of  the  untenanted 
sheds  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  "  My  orders  are  positive,  sir," 
rephed  the  colonel,  "and  I  cannot  suffer  any  Mexican  domiciles 
to  be  encroached  upon.  The  quarters  of  a  soldier,  sir,  in  time  of 
war,  is  the  field."  And  having  delivered  himself  of  this  pertinent 
speech,  the  colonel  walked  into  his  quarters,  a  comfortable  stone 
house — the  best  one  in  the  place. 

We  remained  in  our  miserable  quarters,  which  were  now  par- 
tially overflowed,  for  another  day  and  night,  and  which  we  chris- 
tened "Camp  Nasty,"  when  the  men  became  mutinous,  and 
swore  they  would  remain  there  no  longer  to  please  Col.  Wilson, 
or  anybody  else.  Lieut.  McMuUen  went  up  again  to  the  colonel 
to  inform  him  that  there  was  a  large  and  comfortable  cotton-gin 
shed  OB  the  opposite  side  of  the  town,  which  belonged  to  a  colonel 
in  the  Mexican  army,  which  was  at  that  time  unoccupied,  and 
capable  of  giving  ample  shelter  to  ourselves  and  horses.  Col. 
Wilson  replied  fhat  "  he  could  not  think  of  allowing  us  to  take 
possession  of  any  thing  that  belonged  to  the  Mexicans,  unless  they 
consented  to  it,  as  it  was  directly  contrary  to  the  policy  of  the 
government."  McMullen  then  desired  that  he  would  suffer  him 
to  remove  the  company  ten  or  fifteen  miles  into  the  country,  to 
find  a  higher  and  drier  camping  place.  This  he  said  was  too 
hazardous,  as  we  might  be  cut  off;  besides,  he  wanted  our  ser- 
vices in  case  the  town  should  be  attacked.  After,  however,  a 
formal  demand,  in  writing,  for  quarters,  the  cotton-gin  shed  was 
reluctantly  granted  to  us.  We  marched  into  it  in  triumph,  and  a 
few  days  afterwards  we  had  the  pleasure  of  swimming  our  horse 
over  the  very  spot  where  we  were  formerly  encamped. 

A  three  weeks'  rain  continued  to  deluge  the  earth ;  the  Rio 
Grande  overflowed  its  banks,  and  the  country  around  Reynoso 
was  one  vast  sheet  of  water.  But  we  cared  very  little  for  the 
rain,  as  we  were  now  posted  in  the  most  comfortable  quarters  that 
had  been  enjoyed  by  any  Texian  troops  since  the  commencement 
of  the  campaign.  The  gin-shed  was  large,  dry,  and  commodious, 
and  amply  sufficient  to  shelter  us  from  sun  and  rain ;  and  during 


66  ATTEMPT  TO  CAPTURE  CAN  ALES. 

the  three  weeks  that  we  occupied  it,  we  passed,  perhaps,  the  most 
easy  period  of  our  term  of  service. 

We  had  been  encamped  in  the  old  "cotton-gin  shed"  about  two 
weeks,  when  Lieut.  McMullen  told  us,  one  evening,  about  sun- 
down, that  he  wanted  twenty  men  to  saddle  up  for  special  and 
secret  service.  The  horses  were  ready  in  a  twinkling,  and  we  were 
all  eager  to  learn  what  the  object  of  this  night  expedition  could  be. 
All  was  anxiety  and  expectation  until  about  8  o'clock,  Avhen  we 
were  ordered  to  move  in  silence.  Not  a  word  was  spoken  as  we 
filed  out  of  the  yard,  and  took  our  position  in  the  line.  "  Fall  into 
double  file — keep  strict  silence,  and  follow  me,"  said  our  lieutenant, 
in  a  low  voice,  as  he  rode  on  in  the  advance.  We  followed  with- 
out uttering  a  word.  When  we  had  rode  on  in  this  manner  for 
about  a  mile,  and  were  entirely  clear  of  ail  the  houses  of  the  town, 
we  were  halted,  and  Lieut.  McMullen  explained  to  us  the  nature 
of  the  duty  he  wished  us  to  perform.  "  It  is  reported,  boys," 
said  he,  "  that  Canales,  with  some  of  his  officers,  are  at  this  mo- 
ment at  a  fandango,  which  is  held  at  a  rancho,  about  six  miles 
from  town.  My  object  is  to  capture  them,  if  possible.  To  insure 
success,  silence  and  caution  are  necessary.  When  we  approach 
the  rancho,  it  will  be  necessary  for  some  of  you  to  dismount,  and 
hold  the  horses  of  the  others  while  the  rest  surround  the  house. 
Commence  counting  there  in  front ! — every  fifth  man  will  be 
detailed  to  take  care  of  the  horses  !"  As  soon  as  the  names  of 
the  men  upon  whom  this  duty  devolved  were  made  known,  we 
moved  on  again  in  silence.  It  was  now  necessary  to  procure  a 
guide,  as  none  of  us  knew  the  rancho  at  which  the  fandango  was 
held,  except  by  name.  Fortunately,  we  picked  up  a  little  Mexi- 
can boy  on  the  road,  who  agreed  to  be  our  pilot  for  the  considera- 
tion of  one  dollar,  paid  in  hand.  The  money  was  given  to  him, 
and  he  jumped  up  behind  one  of  the  men,  to  direct  us  in  the 
route  we  wished  to  pursue. 

Splashing  onward  through  mud  and  water,  for  five  miles  far- 
ther, we  came  in  sight  of  the  lights  of  the  rancho.  The  boy  here 
requested  to  be  put  down,  as  he  did  not  wish  his  people  to  know 
that  he  had  guided  their  enemies  upon  them.  The  little  fellow 
slipped  ofTin  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  we  hastened  on  to  the 
place  of  the  merry-making. 

The  scene  which  presented  itself  as  we  approached  was  unique 
and  beautiful.  The  dance  was  held  in  the  open  air;  and  the 
bright  fires  kindled  at  difTerent  points,  the  candles  and  torches 
moving  to  and  fro,  the  animated  groups  of  revellers  clustered  on 
every  side,  the  white  robes  of  the  girls  prettily  contrasting  in  the 
fire-hght  with  the  dusky  apparel  of  their  partners ;  while  gay 


A   SURPRISE.  57 

forms,  replete  with  life  and  motion,  bounded  in  the  lively  dance, 
or  floated  in   the  graceful  waltz,  in  sweet  accord  with  the  spirit- " 
stirring  strains  of  music  which  the  night-breeze  wafted  to  our  ears 
— all  made  a  scene  that  was,  at  the  distance  we  viewed  it,  beauti- 
ful indeed. 

"  Halt ! — dismount !— creep  up  cautiously,  men,  and  surround 
the  house — and  when  I  call  you,  come  up  quickly  and  firmly  at 
the  charge.'*  McMulJen  loosened  his  pistols  in  his  belt  as  he 
gave  this  command,  and  strolled  quite  carelessly  into  the  midst  of 
the  astonished  dancers.  Our  places  were  quickly  taken,  and  be- 
fore the  revellers  dreamed  of  danger,  they  found  their  scene  of 
festivity  suddenly  surrounded  with  a  ring  of  Texian  rifles.  Never 
was  a  scene  of  rejoicing  more  quickly  turned  into  one  of  dismay 
and  confusion.  The  women  shrieked  and  fluttered  about  like  a 
flock  of  frightened  doves  upon  the  sudden  appearance  of  a  hawk ; 
the  men  shouted,  in  alarm,  "The  Americans  are  upon  us  !"  and 
bolted  right  and  left,  to  make  their  escape,  but  on  all  sides  they 
were  met  by  the  muzzle  of  a  gun,  and  a  grufl*  voice  saying, 
"  Stand  back,  or  I'll  shoot  you  down."  The  party  was  completely 
entrapped ;  and  finding  no  chance  to  escape,  now  gathered  around 
an  old  drunken  fellow  who  was  dancing  in  their  midst,  singing  as 
he  danced,  and  occasionally  crying  out,  "  We  are  poor  honest 
people — what  have  we  to  fear  from  our  enemies."  While  this 
scene  was  being  enacted  out  of  doors,  McMullen  was  busily 
engaged  in  the  house,  turning  over  tables,  looking  under  beds, 
and  examining  carefully  every  nook  and  corner  that  could  possibly 
conceal  a  fugitive.  None  were  found,  however,  and  after  scan- 
ning closely  the  members  of  the  party  out  doors,  we  were  forced 
to  conclude  that  either  our  information  was  false,  or  that  Canales 
and  his  friends  had  left  the  fandango  before  we  arrived.  The  first 
was  the  most  reasonable  presumption.  We  asked  no  questions, 
for  we  did  not  expect  a  truthful  answer. 

The  party,  therefore,  could  only  guess  the  cause  of  our  unex- 
pected visit,  until  Lieut.  McMullen  told  them  that  he  was  passing  the 
rancho  with  his  men,  when  the  sound  of  music  made  us  stop  to  see 
how  they  were  enjoying  themselves.  They  appeared  perfectly 
satisfied  with  the  explanation,  and  insisted  that  we  should  join  the 
dance,  and  partake  of  the  refreshments.  Two  or  three  of  the  best 
dancers  in  our  squad  laid  aside  their  guns,  and  picking  out  the  pret- 
tiest girls  for  their  partners,  took  their  places  in  the  set ;  the  rest 
of  us  looked  on,  with  our  rifles  in  our  hands.  We  had  seen  some 
pretty  tall  dancing  in  our  time,  but  we  think  the  feats  we  witnessed 
that  night,  were  a  httle  ahead  of  any  thing  in  that  line  we  ever 
saw  before.  The  men  had  not  had  an  opportunity  of  enjoying 
themselves  by  tripping  on  the  "  light  fantastic  toe"  for  some  time 


58  THE   FESTIVAL    OF    ST.  JUAN. 

'^vpast,  and  on  this  occasion  they  determined,  as  they  said,  to  "  spread 
themselves^  The  step  of  every  negro  dance  that  was  ever  known, 
was  called  into  requisition  and  admirably  executed.  They  per- 
formed the  "  double  shuffle,''  the  "  Virginny  break-down,''  the 
'^Kentucky  heeltap,"  the  ''pigeon  wing,"  the  "  back  balance  lick," 
the  ''Arkansas  hoe-down,"  with  unbounded  applause  and  irresistible 
effect.  We  laughed  heartily  at  their  grotesque  figures  and  comi- 
cal movements,  and  the  Mexicans  were  perfectly  enraptured  with 
their  activity  and  skill.  The  rogues  stepped  about  like  lions  after 
the  dance  was  finished,  and  appeared  to  enjoy  the  admiration  they 
had  excited  amazingly.  The  Mexican  girls  were  so  much  capti- 
vated that  they  entirely  slighted  their  old  lovers,  and  were  quarrel- 
ling with  one  another  as  to  who  next  should  dance  with  *'  los  buenos 
Americanos." 

"  Come,  boys,"  said  McMullen,  after  two  or  three  more  dances 
were  over,  "  this  is  enough  fun  for  one  night.  Mount !  and  return 
to  quarters."  So  taking  one  glass  of  Muscal  more  all  round,  we 
bade  the  party  "  adios,"  and  hied  merrily  homeward,  regretting 
that  our  information  in  regard  to  Canales  had  proved  untrue,  bul 
not  sorry  that  we  had  been  induced  to  hunt  for  him  at  a  "  fan- 
dango." 

The  festa-day  of  St.  Juan  was  ushered  in  by  a  bright  sun  and  a 
blue  sky.  The  prayers  of  the  Mexican  gallants  must  certainly  have 
induced  the  good  saint  to  intercede  with  the  "  clerk  of  the  weather" 
for  one  fair  day  in  the  midst  of  the  rainy  season.  Whatever  may 
have  been  the  cause,  it  was  certainly  the  most  beautiful  day  we  had 
been  blessed  with  for  some  time  past.  The  manner  in  which  the 
day  is  celebrated  in  Mexico,  is  most  singular  and  strange.  St.  Juan 
must  have  been  the  patron  saint  of  horsemen,  or  a  kind  of  protec- 
tor of  cavalry,  for  on  this  day  no  footman  is  allowed  to  promenade 
the  streets.  Men  and  boys  of  all  ages,  sizes,  and  conditions  are 
mounted  on  the  best  and  most  gayly  caparisoned  steeds  they  can 
procure,  and  parade  the  streets  in  holiday  attire.  Whooping  and 
yelhng  like  Indians,  they  dash  through  the  streets  in  large  parties, 
charging  upon  and  riding  down  every  thing  that  impedes  their  pro- 
gress. Single  horsemen  sometimes  meet  in  full  career,  and  as  it 
is  disgraceful  to  give  the  road  on  such  occasions,  they  ride  directly 
upon  one  another,  and  the  consequence  is,  that  the  weakest  horse 
or  the  most  unskilful  rider  is  dashed  to  the  ground,  while  the  victor 
rides  on  in  triumph,  rewarded  for  his  gallantry  and  skill  by  bright 
smiles  from  the  balconies  above.  Occasionally  large  rival  parties 
meet  in  the  narrow  streets,  and  then  a  scene  of  wild  confusion 
ensues.  Like  madmen,  they  yell  and  rush  together ;  and  when 
the  horses  are  not  overthrown  by  the  shock,  they  grasp  each 
other  by  the  neck  or  waist,  and  attempt  to  drag  their  antago- 


THE   FESTIVAL    OF   ST.  JUAN.  59 

nist  from  the  saddle  to  the  ground.  Wo  to  the  awkward  or  un- 
skilful rider  who  places  his  foot  in  the  stirrup  on  the  festival  of 
St.  Juan ! 

Well  knowing  the  manner  in  which  the  Mexicans  observed  this 
day,  we  determined  to  have  our  share  of  the  fun.  So  carefully 
grooming  our  horses  early  in  the  morning,  plaiting  their  manes, 
and  expending  upon  their  appearance  all  the  finery  we  could  mus- 
ter, we  mounted,  and  rode  in  a  body  to  the  main  plaza.  The  exer- 
cises of  the  day  were  much  interrupted  by  the  plaza  being  occu- 
pied by  our  artillery,  and  the  streets  barricaded  by  piles  of  stones, 
but  cramped  as  we  were  in  our  movements,  we  determined  with 
the  Mexicans  to  make  the  most  of  the  occasion.  By  10  o'clock, 
the  streets  were  filled  with  mounted  Mexicans,  whooping  and 
charging  upon  each  other.  Gradually  they  all  formed  into  one  great 
party,  and  rode  by  us  in  a  bantering  style.  We  were  fewer  in 
number,  but  possessed  an  immense  advantage  over  them  in  the 
size,  weight,  strength,  and  speed  of  our  horses.  Thinking  that 
we  did  not  accept  or  understand  their  first  challenge,  they  formed 
to  charge  upon  us.  We  were  clustered  in  the  mouth  of  one  of 
the  main  streets  that  led  to  the  plaza,  and  as  we  found  them  rushing 
down  like  a  whirlwind  upon  our  ranks,  we  suddenly  opened  to  the 
right  and  left,  and  allowed  the  whole  body  to  pass  to  the  rear. 
With  a  jeer  of  triumph  they  passed  by,  when  we  wheeled  like  light- 
ning on  their  rear,  and  using  freely  our  spurs,  charged  the  whole 
body  at  full  speed.  The  weight  of  twenty  large  American  horses  is 
enough  to  overthrow  all  the  ponies  in  Mexico,  and  as  we  had  no 
arms  to  carry,  our  whole  attention  was  devoted  to  the  management 
of  our  horses.  We  rode  right  full  upon  them,  and  at  the  first 
shock  more  than  twenty  men  and  horses  were  rolling  in  the  dust, 
and  our  triumph  was  achieved,  for  the  rest  of  the  party  scattered 
in  every  direction,  up  alleys  and  into  yards,  in  short,  perfectly 
satisfied  that  "  los  cavallos  Americanos  son  mucho  buenos,  y  mucho 
grandes"  It  was  our  turn  now  to  ride  in  triumph  up  and  down 
the  streets,  bowing  to  the  senoras,  and  kissing  our  hands  to  the 
senoritas,  who  lined  the  streets  and  windows,  and  who  returned 
our  salutations  most  graciously.  The  Mexican  gallants  followed 
after  us,  but  kept  at  a  most  respectful  distance.  At  length,  one 
of  them  who  spoke  a  little  English  rode  up,  and  inquired  if  we 
would  like  to  engage  in  a  "  chicken  race,^^  We  expressed  our 
wilHngness  to  do  so,  and  two  or  three  of  them  dashed  off  to  pro- 
cure a  chicken.  The  conditions  of  the  race  were  these — the 
chicken  was  to  be  given  to  some  man  mounted  on  a  good  horse  ; 
the  rest  of  the  party,  both  Mexicans  and  Americans,  were  to  re- 
main in  the  plaza,  while  the  man  was  to  have  about  a  hundred 
yards  start ;  at  a  given  signal  he  was  to  run,  by  a  designated  course 


^  THE   CHICKEN   RACE. 

which  led  about  two  miles  round  town,  to  our  camp.  If  he  reached 
camp  in  safet}'-,  the  chicken  was  his  prize ;  but  if  he  were  inter- 
cepted, or  overtaken  by  any  of  the  Mexicans  who  were  going  to 
take  short  cuts  through  the  town  for  the  purpose,  and  the  bird 
taken  away  from  him,  why  then  he  was  to  be  laughed  at,  and  suf- 
fer the  mortification  of  defeat.  A  wild  young  Texian,  by  the  name 
of  Clinton  Dewit,  volunteered  to  bear  the  chicken  to  camp ;  and 
seizing  the  bird  by  the  legs,  dashed  off  at  a  break-neck  pace. 
After  he  had  got  a  fair  start,  about  one-half  of  the  Mexicans  rushed 
after  him,  yelling  like  a  legion  of  devils ;  the  remainder  ran  by  a 
shorter  route  to  intercept  him  at  different  points  of  the  road.  We 
galloped  out  of  town  to  see  the  sport.  They  had  purposely  chosen 
a  road  for  him  to  follow,  that  was  covered  with  loose  rocks,  and  full 
of  holes,  in  hopes  that  his  horse  would  either  stumble  over  the 
one,  or  fall  into  the  other.  But  "Clint  Dewit"  was  too  good  a 
horseman  to  suffer  either  of  these  mishaps,  and  picked  his  course 
over  the  uneven  ground  as  coolly  as  if  he  were  gallanting  a  lady  to 
church.  The  speed  of  his  horse  was  so  much  greater  than  that 
of  his  pursuers,  that  he  was  soon  able  to  leave  them  far  behind ; 
but  those  who  had  run  across  and  got  before  him,  annoyed  him 
exceedingly,  so  that  he  was  frequently  obliged  to  ride  right  over 
them,  (which  he  always  did  when  he  had  a  chance,)  or  task 
his  horse's  powers  to  the  utmost  to  ride  around  and  avoid  them. 
When  he  had  nearly  reached  the  camp,  a  big,  stout  fellow,  mounted 
on  a  strong  horse,  rushed  out  from  behind  a  house  which  he  was 
obliged  to  pass,  and  grasped  the  prize ;  and  so  eager  was  he  to 
secure  the  chicken,  that  he  momentarily  released  his  hold  of  the 
bridle,  while  both  horses  were  dashing  along  at  full  speed.  "  Clint'* 
immediately  perceived  his  advantage,  and  grappling  him  by  the 
throat,  suddenly  reined  his  horse  up.  The  consequence  was,  that 
the  greaser's  horse  passed  from  under  him,  and  left  the  rider  in 
Clint's  grasp.  Dashing  him  to  the  ground,  the  young  Texian 
clutched  the  prize,  and  raising  a  yell  of  triumph,  bore  it  easily  to 
the  camp. 

Another  was  brought  out,  and  another  chase  succeeded,  termi- 
nating hke  the  first.  Another,  and  another,  and  still  with  the 
same  success.  Until  at  last,  we  found  ourselves  pretty  well  sup- 
plied with  stock  in  the  poultry  fine,  and  the  Mexicanos  ruefully 
acknowledged  that  there  were  "  no  mas  Gallenas  in  JieynosOj^^-— 
no  more  chickens  in  Reynoso. 

Our  time  in  this  place  was  spent  pleasantly  enough,  for  we  had 
little  or  nothing  to  do,  and  when  the  rainy  season  was  over,  we 
occupied  ourselves  with  hunting,  horse-racing,  and  every  other 
kind  of  sport  that  our  ingenuity  could  devise. 

The  morning  of  the  4th  of  July  found  us  busily  employed  in 


THE  FOURTH   OP  JULY.  61 

preparations  to  celebrate  the  day  with  suitable  rejoicing.  Every 
stray  pig,  or  chicken  that  ventured  to  show  himself  in  our  yard 
that  day,  was  unfortunately  despatched — unfortunately,  I  say,  since 
everybody  said  they  came  to  their  death  by  accident ;  for,  as  the 
boys  said,  "  if  the  poor  things  would  run  in  the  way  just  as  they 
were  going  to  shoot  off  their  guns  in  honour  of  the  4th,  of  course 
they  could  not  help  it,  if  they  were  killed.^^  And  then  just  to 
prevent  them  from  spoiling,  they  were  put  on  the  fire. 

Two  large  horse-buckets  of  whisky  was  procured,  and  a  loaf 
of  white  sugar  grated  into  it,  with  the  due  allowance  of  water.  But 
to  describe  the  scene  of  feasting,  drinking,  and  revelry  which  en- 
sued, is  beyond  the  power  of  our  pen.  Yet  we  would  not  have  it 
for  a  moment  supposed,  that  we  were  unable  to  tell  what  happened 
after  dinner,  because . 

Suffice  it,  that  the  dinner  went  off  as  all  other  dinners  go  off, 
with  infinite  satisfaction  to  everybody  that  enjoyed  it.  The  wine 
— the  whisky  we  mean — was  capital,  and  circulated  freely,  and 
everybody  was  in  such  admirable  spirits,  and  such  excellent  good 
humour  with  everybody  else,  and  the  toasts  that  were  given  were 
received  with  such  prolonged,  vociferous,  and  tumultuous  applause, 
that  Col.  Wilson,  although  nearly  half  a  mile  distant,  was  sud- 
denly awakened  from  his  siesta  by  the  noise ;  and  despatched  a 
file  of  men  to  find  out  if  the  Ranger's  camp  had  been  unexpect- 
edly attacked  by  a  Mexican  force,  or  "  what  was  the  meaning  of 
that  disturbance,  anyhow." 

The  men  were  furnished  with  several  "  horns''^  out  of  the  "  big 
bucket,"  and  sent  back  to  Col.  Wilson,  "with  the  compliments 
of  the  Rangers,"  and  the  polite  request,  "  that  he  would  join  us 
in  a  drink."  The  message  was  faithfully  carried,  and  the  colonel 
came  up  himself.  But  when  he  arrived  and  found  no  officer 
about,  (for  McMullen  was  not  present,)  and  by  looking  over  the 
fence,  saw  the  men  were  ripe  for  any  thing,  he  prudently  con- 
cluded not  to  pay  us  a  visit.  He  was  perceived,  however,  and 
one  of  the  most  '^ far-gone''^  of  the  party  reeled  to  his  feet,  and 
proposed  as  a  toast,  "  the  health  of  Col.  Wilson  ;"  and  three  of 
the  most  vociferous  cheers  that  ever  rose  upon  the  air,  burst  from 
the  group  around.  The  old  gentleman  understood  the  joke,  and 
hurried  off  to  his  quarters,  so  that  we  were  allowed  to  enjoy  our- 
selves for  the  remainder  of  the  evening  as  we  pleased. 

Not  many  days  had  elapsed  after  this  jollification,  when  we  were 
ordered  to  pursue  a  party  of  robbers,  who  had  been  committing 
depredations  in  the  neighbourhood.  We  reHshed  not  overmuch 
the  service ;  as  we  cared  very  little  how  much  the  Mexicans 
preyed  upon  each  other,  and  like  the  woman,  when  she  saw  her 
husband  in  conflict  with  a  bear,  were  perfectly  indifferent  as  to 

6 


# 


PURSUIT    OF   ROBBERS. 


'Which  party  whipped.  But  our  orders  were  positive,  and  we 
prepared  to  execute  them  faithfully.  An  old  Mexican,  who  had 
been  attacked  by  these  brigands  the  night  before,  was  horribly 
wounded  and  mutilated.  One  of  his  hands  was  nearly  severed 
from  his  body,  and  his  face  gashed  up,  while  his  nose  was  entirely 
cut  off.  In  this  mutilated  condition,  he  managed  to  effect  his 
escape  in  the  night,  and  brought  the  news  of  these  outrages  to 
Reynoso.  After  his  wounds  had  been  dressed,  he  volunteered  to 
become  our  guide,  and  conducted  us  to  the  robbers'  encampment, 
which  was  about  ten  miles  from  town,  on  the  Matamoras  road. 
Pointing  out  the  tree  to  which  he  had  been  tied,  he  gave  us  a 
detailed  account  of  the  cruelties  vi'hich  had  been  practised  upon 
him,  and  described  the  agonies  he  had  suffered.  We  found  every 
thing,  in  the  now  deserted  camp,  just  as  he  had  related  it  to  us. 
The  robbers,  however,  had  fled.  Taking  their  trail,  we  followed 
it  briskly  for  five  or  six  miles,  when  we  suddenly  lost  it;  upon 
retracing  our  steps  for  a  few  hundred  yards,  we  discovered  that 
they  had — as  if  fearful  of  pursuit,  and  resolving  to  baffle  it — sepa- 
rated and  diverged  in  all  directions,  so  that  it  would  be  impossible 
to  follow  their  trail. 

Our  party  was  now  divided,  and  ordered  to  scour  the  chaparral 
on  both  sides  of  the  road  in  every  direction ;  the  order  was 
promptly  obeyed,  and  the  country  minutely  examined  for  miles 
around.  But  no  further  clue  of  the  rascals  could  be  discovered, 
and  finding  all  attempts  to  do  so  fruitless,  the  party  again  assem- 
bled at  the  diverging  point. 

Scarcely  had  we  done  so,  when  a  large  party  was  seen  coming 
over  a  hill,  some  distance  in  the  advance.  Hastily  conceahng 
ourselves  for  an  ambuscade,  McMuUen  galloped  on  towards  them, 
to  reconnoitre,  and  attempt  to  draw  them  into  the  snare.  He  had 
not  been  gone  long,  when  the  heavy  tramp  of  a  number  of  horses 
was. heard  upon  the  road,  and  our  lieutenant  hastened  back  to  tell 
us  that  it  was  the  rest  of  the  company  coming  up  from  Matamoras. 
Joyfully  we  came  out  to  meet  them,  and  amid  mutual  inquiries 
after  healths,  and  hearty  greetings,  rode  merrily  back  to  Reynoso. 

The  most  pleasant  news  that  our  companions  brought  up  from 
Matamoras,  was  the  glad  tidings,  that  we  were  ordered  up  to  Co- 
margo,  and  were  to  move  immediately.  We  were  afl  delighted 
to  hear  this,  for  although  the  life  we  had  passed  in  Reynoso  was 
pleasant  enough,  we  were  right  willing  to  exchange  it  for  the  stir- 
ring scenes  of  active,  and  more  hazardous  service.  Early  on  the 
morning  of  the  9th  of  July,  the  bugle  sounded  the  advance,  and 
we  bid  the  town  of  Reynoso  farewell  for  ever. 

A  steamboat,  with  troops  and  army  stores,  Avas  already  on  her 
way  up  the  Rio  Grande  to  Comargo ;   the  7th  regiment  of  in- 


63 

fantry,  with  a  detachment  of  artillery  under  Captain  Holmes,  was 
marching  to  the  same  point  by  land,  and  our  company  was  ordered 
to  act  as  the  advance  guard.  The  incidents  of  the  march  are 
unworthy  of  relation,  for  most  of  the  distance  was  accompHshed  in 
early  morning  and  late  evening ;  as  the  heat  was  too  great  for 
the  infantry  to  march  at  mii-day. 

We  could  not  but  pity  the  poor  fellows  as  they  toiled  through 
the  mud  and  water  which  were  sometimes  nearly  waist  deep,  for 
they  seemed  nearly  ready  to  sink  with  fatigue.  -The  road  was 
exceedingly  bad,  and  the  sun  excessively  hot,  and  when  the  poor 
footmen  would  reach  their  camp  at  night,  they  would  drop  upon 
the  ground,  as  if  completely  worn  out  and  exhausted. 

Our  first  camping  place  was  at  the  town  of  "  old  Reynoso,"  it 
being  the  former  town  site,  but  the  houses  having  been  once 
washed  away  by  an  overflow  of  the  Rio  Grande,  the  inhabitants 
removed  to  a  high  point  lower  down  the  stream,  and  built  the  pre- 
sent town  of  Reynoso. 

Early  on  the  next  morning  we  were  again  upon  the  road,  and 
after  another  hard  day's  ride,  encamped  in  a  pleasant  place,  ex- 
pecting the  next  day  to  reach  Comargo. 

The  fires  gleamed  brightly,  and  as  we  reclined  upon  our  blan- 
kets around  them,  many  a  good  tale  was  told  of  border  life,  and 
its  wild  excitements.  Among  the  rest,  the  following  has  found 
its  way  into  the  columns  of  the  "  Picayune,"  and  we  give  Mr. 
Kendall's  version  of  it  to  the  reader.  [ 

"  McCuUoch's  Rangers,  after  a  very  hard  day's  ride,  had  bivou- 
acked one  night  last  summer  in  a  beautiful  musquit  grove  between 
Reynoso  Viejo  and  Comargo,  a  barranca  protecting  one  side  of  the 
encampment  from  a  surprise,  while  the  steep  banks  of  the  Rio 
Grande  served  the  same  purpose  on  the  other.  The  horses  had 
all  been  watered,  fed  and  curried,  the  first  relief  of  the  guard 
posted,  and  the  Rangers,  after  drinking  their  coffee,  were  reclin- 
ing about  on  their  blankets,  spinning  long  yarns  of  their  adven- 
tures, when  Bill  Dean  told  a  story  that  wound  up  the  entertain- 
ments of  the  evening,  in  theatrical  parlance,  and  caused  an  out- 
break at  the  termination  that  came  nigh  stampeding  the  entire 
cavallada.  Bill  had  joined  McCuUoch's  men  for  the  trip,  and  the 
recollection  of  his  humorous  tale  about  chasing  the  prairie  fire  a 
mile  and  a  half,  trying  to  cook  his  horse  meat,  secured  him  a  most 
patient  hearing. 

"  Those  who  know  any  thing  about  the  emigration  of  Germans 
into  Texas,  are  well  aware  that  thousands  of  them  have  made 
Indian  Point,  near  Port  Lavaca,  a  grand  rendezvous  before  leaving 
for  the  interior  settlement  of  New  Braunfels,  or  the  frontier  sta- 
tion on  the  Pierdenales,  the  Llano,  or  the  San  Saba.     Bill  said 


64  BILL  dean's  story. 

that  he  visited  the  Point  last  spring,  when  some  five  thousand 
Germans  were  encamped  there,  and  was  present  at  one  of  the 
most  thrilling  and  heart-rending  scenes  it  had  ever  been  his  lot 
to  witness.  So  far  as  his  individual  knowledge  went,  neither 
ancient  nor  modern  history  made  mention  of  any  case  which 
might  be  considered  as  anywhere  near  parallel. 

"Among  the  emigrants,  remarked  Dean,  was  a  young,  pretty, 
red-cheeked  girl,  the  pride  of  the  party,  who  strolled  out  alone  one 
day  to  gather  wild  flowers  in  the  chaparral.  Her  rambiings  car- 
ried her  farther  than  she  intended,  and  when  she  turned  to  retrace 
her  steps  she  found  that  she  was  lost,  poor  thing — bewildered  and 
perplexed  in  a  tangled  maze.  In  vain  she  strove  to  recollect  the 
position  and  bearings  of  the  camp  she  had  left,  all  so  joyous,  a 
short  hour  before — reason  had  fled  its  throne.  In  an  agony  of 
doubt  she  ran  to  and  fro  in  the  chaparral,  every  step  taking  her 
farther  from  her  friends,  and  darkness  at  length  found  her  com- 
pletely exhausted,  and  crazed  with  thoughts  of  Indian  peril  and 
of  starvation.  Her  sufferings  during  that  dreadful  night,  continued 
Bin,  you  must  fancy  for  yourselves — I  shall  not  attempt  to  depict 
them. 

"  With  the  early  morning  light  she  was  again  on  her  feet.  She 
gazed  in  every  direction,  she  ran  in  every  direction ;  but  no  sight 
of  her  friends  gladdened  her  longing  vision.  While  thus  engaged 
she  was  discovered  by  a  Mexican  girl,  whose  father  had  a  small 
rancho  some  five  miles  from  the  Point ;  and  now  when  succour 
was  at  hand  the  lost  one  fled  at  its  approach.  The  Mexican  girl 
called  upon  her  in  soothing  terms  ;  but  she  heeded  her  not.  The 
former  then  went  to  her  father,  hard  by,  and  told  him  that  some 
poor  straggler  from  the  camp  of  the  strangers  was  in  the  bushes, 
and  to  all  appearance  lost  and  bereft  of  reason.  The  old  man 
mounted  his  horse,  went  out  in  search,  and  soon  came  up  with 
her ;  but  she  fled  at  his  approach  as  from  one  of  the  wild  deni- 
zens of  the  prairie.  The  old  man,  in  the  kindness  of  his  heart, 
with  soft  accents  attempted  to  arrest  her  flight.  She  heeded 
him  not.  He  knew  that  she  must  belong  to  the  German  camp, 
that  she  was  lost,  that  she  was  crazed,  and  he  determined  to 
rescue  her.  Coiling  the  lariat  or  leather  rope  which  hung  to 
his  saddle  in  his  hand,  he  set  off"  full  speed  after  the  bewildered 
and  frightened  fugitive,  threw  it  gently  over  her  head,  and  thus 
checked  her  flight.  To  call  his  daughter,  thinking  that  she  might 
^better  assist  in  soothing  the  poor  girl,  was  his  first  impulse ;  to 
proceed  with  her  to  the  camp  of  her  friends,  and  deliver  her  safely 
to  those  who  must  be  but  too  anxious  for  her,  was  his  second. 

"Great  was  the  joy  of  her  relatives,  gladdened  were  the  hearts 
of  all  who  knew  her,  as  she  was  brought  into  camp ;  but  soon 


65 

these  emotions  were  changed  to  bitter  sorrow,  as  one  by  one  they 
discovered  that  the  fairest  flower  among  the  emigrants  was  crazed. 
The  sweet  caresses  of  her  mother  and  sisters  she  answered  only 
with  a  vacant  stare;  the  kind  offices  of  those  who  crowded  around 
were  uncared  for,  unregarded.  Her  half-frantic  lover,  as  he 
uttered  words  of  comfort  and  endearment,  was  answered  with  a 
look  that  told  plainly  she  recognised  him  not,  that  he  was  forgot- 
ten. Restoratives  of  every  description  were  resorted  to,  but  with- 
out effect.  A  favourite  little  dog,  as  he  wagged  his  tail  in  joy, 
and  endeavoured  to  lick  the  hands  of  his  mistress  in  token  of  glad- 
ness at  her  return,  was  spurned  as  a  stranger.  Songs  that  she 
had  loved  in  childhood  fell  in  soft  cadence  upon  her  ear ;  yet  she 
heeded  them  not.  Presents  from  her  lover — gifts  that  she  had 
treasured  in  her  heart  of  hearts — were  passed  over  as  idle  toys. 
Her  once  bright  eye,  so  full  of  intelligence  and  life,  was  now 
glazed,  vacant  and  lustreless — her  round,  full  face,  once  so  radiant 
with  intellect,  was  now  a  meaningless  blank — and  as  her  friends 
gazed  upon  her  they  wrung  their  hands  in  sorrow,  and  with  sad 
misgivings  that  the  reason  of  the  poor  girl  was  lost  for  ever. 

"  At  length,  continued  Bill,  an  elderly  matron  left  the  melan- 
choly group,  and  started  off  as  if  intent  on  making  one  more  effort 
at  restoring  the  crazed  one  to  her  senses.  Presently  she  returned 
with  a  large  plate  of  hot,  smoking  sour  crout  in  her  hand. 
Elbowing  her  way  in  among  the  sorrowing  crowd,  she  presented 
the  dish  to  the  girl,  and" — 

"  And  with  what  effect  ?"  ejaculated  a  Ranger  who  had  been 
listening  all  the  while,  and  who  now  dashed  away  a  tear  which 
had  gathered  in  his  eye.     "  With  what  effect  ?" 

"As-ton-ish-ing!"  slowly  ejaculated  the  wag.  "It  brought  her 
right  to;  and  the  way  she  skived  into  that  crout  showed  that 
twenty-four  hours'  hard  exercise  in  the  chaparral  is  a  great  help 
to  the  appetite !"  !" 

"  It  took  at  least  twenty  minutes  to  collect  the  scattered  horses 
that  broke  their  ropes  when  the  laugh  that  succeeded  this  termina- 
tion to  a  sad  story  first  burst  upon  them." 

By  two  o'clock  on  the  next  morning  we  were  in  our  saddles 
once  more  and  again  upon  the  road.  We  were  obliged  to  start 
thus  early,  and  then  move  slowly  to  accommodate  the  infantry 
who  accompanied  us.  About  ten  o'clock  we  came  in  sight  of  the 
town  of  Comargo,  and  found  the  steamer  had  already  arrived. 


f  6  ^^         THE  INDIAN  SCOUT. 


CHAPTER  VII 

The  Indian  Scout — The  Comanches — News  of  their  Depredations— Ordered 
to  follow  their  Trail — The  swimming  of  the  Rio  Grande — Attempt  to  rescue 
a  Drowning  Man — A  Ranger  playing  'Possum — The  City  of  Rio  Grande — 
Prickly  Pears — The  Indian  Trail — The  Night  Alarm — Strange  Concert — 

'    The  Deserted   Ranchos — The  Elephant  in  the  Chaparral — Re-crossing  of 

'   the  River — Arrival  at  Mier — Bathing-Scene — The  Battle  Ground — Return 

V  to  Comargo. 

Various  are  the  excitements  of  a  Ranger's  life  ;  the  wild  foray, 
the  secret  scout,  the  ambuscade,  the  exciting  skirmish,  and  the  ha- 
zardous yet  enticing  expeditions  in  which  we  were  so  frequently 
engaged,  lent  a  fascination,  a  romance  to  our  existence,  which  those 
who  drag  out  a  commonplace  life  in  a  dull  city  can  never  dream  of 
or  enjoy.  Our  company  had  been  encamped  at  Comargo,  anxiously 
waiting  for  several  days,  when  they  received  orders  to  march. 
Being  deprived  at  the  time  by  illness  from  accompanying  our  corps 
on  this  scout,  we  give  the  particulars  and  incidents  of  it  as  de- 
scribed by  the  pen  of  our  friend,  the  author  of  "the  Ranger's 
Song." 

About  1  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  July,  a  runnier 
arrived  in  camp,  with  intelligence  that  a  large  body  of  Comanches, 
under  their  celebrated  chief  Buffalo  Hump,  had  been  scouring  the 
country  above  us,  on  both  sides  of  the  Rio  Grande,  stealing  horses, 
burning  ranchos,  murdering  the  Mexican  hombres,  and  carrying 
off  the  most  beautiful  of 'the  Mexican  Sehoritas.  Indeed,  so  bold 
had  they  become,  that  it  was  said  they  had  actually  ventured  into 
Capt.  Gillespie's  camp  of  Rangers,  situated  about  three  miles  from 
us  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  and  stolen  some  of  their  best 
horses.  An  order  immediately  came  down  from  head-quarters 
for  Capt.  McCulloch,  who  immediately  went  up  and  received 
instructions  from  Gen.  Worth  to  take  thirty  of  his  best  men,  and 
give  chase  to  the  Indians  forthwith,  to  have  a  parley  with  them, 
if  possible,  and  not  engage  them  without  absolute  necessity.  Pre- 
parations were  made  to  start  before  the  dawn  of  day.  A  mo- 
ment's notice  was  all  we  wanted ;  and  in  half  an  hour  after  the 
order  was  received  the  men  were  in  the  saddle,  ready  for  any  ser- 
vice and  every  contingency. 

"Fall  in  double  file,  men — march !"  came  from  the  head  of  the 
line,  and  on  we  rode  in  silence,  scarcely  any  knowing  whither. 
All  we  knew,  and  all  we  wanted  to  know,  was,  that  there  was  a 
prospect  for  a  fight ;  and  with  hearts  beating  with  excitement,  in 


SWIMMING  THE  RIO  GRANDE.  67 

.the  darkness  of  the  night,  we  defiled  out  of  the  town  of  Comargo, 
and  bent  our  course  to  the  river  bank.  A  lovely  morning  as 
ever  dawned  from  a  Mexican  sky  broke  upon  us  as  we  reached 
the  Rio  Grande.  Every  tree,  and  bush,  and  blade  of  gfass,  co* 
vered  with  the  night  dew,  and  sparkling  in  the  morning  light, 
gave  a  freshness  and  charm  to  the  scene  which  was  enchanting. 
We  were  not  detained  long  upon  the  river  bank^  before  the  deep 
cough  of  a  steamboat  was  heard  in  the  distance,  and  soon  after  we 
discovered  the  "Enterprise"  coming  slowly  along,  puffing  her 
way  against  the  swollen  current.  She  stopped  as  we  hailed  her, 
and  came  to  at  the  bank.  Our  saddles,  blankets,  and  arms,  were 
then  put  on  board,  and  ferried  across  the  river,  leaving  us  to  trans- 
port ourselves  and  horses  as  best  We  might,  the  steamer  being  too 
heavily  freighted  to  carry  us. 

Now  came  a  stirring  scene,  in  which  every  man  had  to  bear  his 
part.  The  river,  like  our  own  Mississippi  at  times,  was  swollen 
excessively,  and  was  sweeping  past  at  the  rate  of  five  miles  an 
hour ;  and,  to  add  to  the  danger  of  the  passage,  there  were  great 
quantities  of  drift-wood  running;  and  if  any  of  us  or  our  horses 
should  chance  to  become  entangled  in  the  branches  of  the  trees 
that  were  floating  down,  a  speedy  passage  not  only  down  the 
stream,  but  to  eternity,  would  have  been  the  inevitable  conse- 
quence. There -we  stood  upon  the  banks,  all  in  the  undress  unU 
form  of  the  Rangers,  our  horses  rearing,  snorting,  and  eyeing  the 
troubled  waters  with  evident  alarm. 

"Now,  boys,  wade  into  it,"  said  our  captain,  as  he  vaulted  upon 
his  chestnut  horse,  "  Tom,"  and  plunged  into  the  stream. 

"  Tom"  was  an  old  war-horse,  and  felt  almost  as  much  at  home 
in  the  water  as  upon  the  land ;  and  right  gallantly  did  he  strike 
for  the  opposite  shore.  McCulloch  cut  a  strange  figure  as  he  sat 
bolt-upright  on  "  Tom,"  with  his  yellow  hair  waving  in  the  wind, 
and  the  muddy  waters  breaking  around  his  form.  About  a  dozen 
horses  followed  him,  but  the  rest,  after  swimming  about  fifty  yards, 
declined  the  feat,  and  returned  to  the  bank.  The  boys  on  the 
bank  Avere  not  disposed  to  yield  in  silence  to  their  misfortune,  but 
venting  their  feelings  in  yells,  and  whoops,  and  imprecations,  so 
loud,  deep,  and  continuous,  that  one  might  have  fancied  that  a 
select  party  of  imps  had  just  adjourned  from  a  wine  table  below, 
and  were  engaged  in  yelhng  for  a  prize,  which  was  to  be  awarded 
to  the  noisiest. 

Long  poles  were  in  demand,  and  many  a  poor  brute's  nose  suf- 
fered as  he  emerged,  snorting,  from  the  stream  ;  and  notwith- 
standing all  their  exertions  to  prevent  it,  some  few  horses  rushed 
by,  and  broke  up  the  bank.  They  were  soon  caught,  however, 
and  the  whole  number  again  forced  to  take  water.     The  second 


68  CITY    OF   RIO    GRANDE. 

effort  was  more  successful  than  the  first,  for  nearly  all  were 
bridled,  and  forced  to  swim  the  stream  with  their  riders.  Five  or 
six  of  the  men  remained  on  the  bank  to  see  that  no  renegade 
returneil ;  but  their  efforts  were  not  required,  as  all  had  now 
gained  the  opposite  bank  in  safety.  The  passage  was  not,  how- 
ever, without  an  alarming  incident.    Young  T ,  who  had  lately  ' 

joined  our  company,  was  an  expert  swimmer,  and  attempted  to 
cross  the  river  alone.  We  watched  his  progress  some  time  with 
anxiety.  As  he  neared  the  centre  of  the  stream,  his  strength 
appeared  to  fail  him,  and  taking  off  his  hat,  which  he  had  worn 
to  protect  his  head  from  the  sun,  he  waved  it  several  times  above 
his  head,  as  a  signal  for  help,  and  then  slowly  sank  from  sight. 
Those  who  had  remained  upon  the  bank  rushed  with  desperation 
into  an  old  "  dug-out,^'  which  lay  a  little  distance  up  the  stream, 
and  commenced  paddling  with  might  and  main  to  his  assistance. 
Great  God  !  what  were  our  feelings,  to  see  a  comrade  and  friend 
drowning  before  our  eyes,  and  we  not  within  reach  to  succour  or 
save  him!     The  clumsy  old  canoe  seemed  to  move  Hke  a  snail 

across  the  waters.     T rose  and  sank  again ;  and  this  time  we 

could  hear  a  faint  cry  for  help.  Like  madmen,  they  strove  to 
urge  the  canoe  ahead ;  with  their  naked  bodies  bared  to  the 
scorching  sun,  they  toiled  until  the  big  drops  of  perspiration  rolled 
down  their  panting  sides.  Again  he  rose  and  sank,  and  this  time 
they  were  within  reach  of  him ;  and  in  trying  to  turn  the  canoe 
round,  it  floated  broadside  down  the  stream,  in  spite  of  all  their 
efforts  to  prevent  it.  To  describe  their  agony,  and  their  exertions  to 
bring  her  up  again — for  they  had  nothing  but  poles  to  paddle 
with — would  be  as  unavailing  as  were  their  efforts ;  they  were 

just  about  to  give  up  in  hopeless  despair,  when  young  T raised 

a  loud  laugh,  and  struck  out  easily  for  the  shore.  He  had  been 
playing  'possum  at  our  expense ;  but  to  describe  the  severe  re- 
primand which  he  got  when  we  all  reached  the  shore,  in  the 
shape  of  unvarnished  and  original  cursing,  would  make  a  devil 
cross  himself  with  fear.  As  soon,  though,  as  the  poor  fellows 
had  recovered  from  their  fatigue,  they  all  laughed  as  heartily 
as  any  at  the  ruse  which  had  cost  us  so  much  mental  pain, 
and  readily  forgave  the  trick  which  had  caused  them  so  much 
labour. 

After  crossing  the  river,  we  halted  for  some  time  for  the  pur- 
pose of  procuring  a  guide,  at  the  city  of  Rio  Grande,  being  on  the 
east  or  Texas  side  of  the  river.  The  city — or  rather  the  ground 
on  which  the  city  is  hereafter  to  be  built — belongs  to  an  enter- 
prising young  Texian  by  the  name  of  Clay  Davis,  who  acquired 
his  right  to  the  land  by  marrying  a  Mexican  heiress,  whoso 
property  consists  in  large  tracts  of  wild  land.     The  tract  runs 


A    RIDE   IN    THE    CHAPARRAL.  69 

within  a  few  miles  of  the  mouth  of  the  St.  Juan,  to  some  extent 
down  the  Rio  Grande.  It  is  the  only  point  not  subject  to  overflow 
anywhere  near  the  head  of  navigation.  The  town  site  is  a  high 
blufl^,  only  three  miles  from  Comargo  by  land  ;  and,  since  the 
destruction  of  the  latter  place  by  the  flood,  bids  fair  to  become  one 
of  the  most  important  points  for  the  Mexican  trade  on  the  whole 
Texian  frontier.  The  land  is  very  rich  and  fertile ;  and,  taking 
all  its  advantages  into  consideration,  it  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the 
most  eligible  points  for  a  city  that  the  valley  of  the  Rio  Grande 
can  boast. 

At  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  we  started  with  our  guide  on  the 
trail  which  led  ofl*  from  the  rancho  in  a  northerly  direction.  The 
sign  was  plainly  visible,  and  that  a  large  party  of  savages  were 
banded  together,  on  a  marauding  expedition,  was  evident  enough, 
even  to  those  among  us  most  unpractised  in  wood  craft.  The 
guide,  poor  fellow,  was  extremely  fearful,  and  took  particular  pains 
not  to  place  himself  too  far  in  advance  of  the  command.  And 
right  good  cause  had  he  to  be  so,  for  a  more  unmerciful  set  of  de- 
mons, than  the  Comanches,  never  scoured  the  border-side.  It  is 
their  custom  never  to  take  a  man  prisoner,  and  should  one  be  so 
unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  their  hands,  his  fate  is  sealed  for  ever. 
No  chance  for  escape  is  left  him — death,  immediate,  terrible,  and 
certain,  is  his  inevitable  doom.  It  was  only  with  much  persua- 
sion, and  tempting  offers  of  reward,  that  our  guide  could  be  pre- 
vailed upon,  in  the  first  place,  to  pilot  us  through  the  chaparral ; 
and  when  it  is  remembered  that  he  was  mounted  on  a  miserable 
jaded  mule,  and  was  compelled  to  ride  back  alone  to  the  rancho, 
running  the  risk  of  being  cut  off*  by  the  Indians  at  every  step  he 
took  upon  the  homeward  track,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  that  he 
felt,  and  manifested  extreme  reluctance  in  undertaking  this  profit- 
able but  perilous  service.  Onward  we  pushed,  however,  our  cap- 
tain riding  directly  in  his  rear,  and  the  whole  command  following 
as  fast  as  possible  in  single  file. 

The  chaparral  was  so  dense,  that  it  was  only  with  great  difiS- 
culty  we  could  force  our  way  through,  and  at  the  same  time  fol- 
low the  half-obliterated  trail.  Our  lacerated  and  bleeding  hands, 
faces  and  legs,  gave  us  a  scratching  of  what  we  would  have  to 
suffer  before  the  termination  of  this  scout.  Sticking  into  our  flesh 
and  torturing  us  most  horribly,  we  bore  beautiful  specimens  of  that 
most  prickly  of  all  thorny  plants,  called  by  botanists  the  cactus, 
but  better  known  to  us  as  the  omnipresent,  and  infernal  prickly 
pear.  How  the  half-clad  savages  ever  rode  through  that  country, 
with  the  rapidity  they  did,  Was  always  to  us  a  wonder  and  a 
marvel. 

About  nightfall,  we  pitched  our  camp  upon  the  borders  of  a 


70  OUR   BIVOUACK.  ^^ 

beautiful  murmuring  stream,  and  after  the  fatigues  of  the  day, 
congratulated  ourselves  upon  the  idea  of  passing  a  pleasant  night 
in  the  wild  woods.  The  fires  were  kindled,  the  horses  staked  out, 
and  the  guard  posted ;  it  was  really  a  rehef  after  having  been 
encamped  for  weeks  in  a  dusty  town,  to  spread  our  blankets  once 
more  upon  the  fresh  green  sward,  and  repose  our  w^eary  hmbs  on 
this  soft  and  dewy  couch.  The  full-orbed  moon  was  wending  her 
way,  like  some  fair  crystal  chariot,  across  the  cloudless  heaven, 
and  the  "  sentinel  stars,"  paled  by  her  light,  shone  fainter  and 
fainter  in  the  deep  blue  vault  above,  till  sweet  refreshing  slumber 
shut  out  their  blessed  light,  and  closing  our  heavy  lids,  we  forgot 
in  deep  sleep  the  beauties  of  either  earth  or  heaven.  At  mid- 
night, we  were  startled  by  one  of  the  guard  firing  upon  what  he 
supposed  to  be  an  Indian  prowling  about  the  camp.  Whether  it 
really  was  so,  or  not,  we  could  never  certainly  determine  ;  though 
the  alarm  served  to  increase  our  vigilance.  Our  horses  were 
brought  closer  in,  and  every  man  slept  within  a  few  paces  of  his 
steed.  We  apprehended  no  danger  from  an  attack,  but  we  were 
fearful  that  our  horses  might  be  stampeded,  or  silently  stolen  from 
the  lines  by  our  crafty  foe.  For  some  time  after  the  sentinel  shot, 
divers  strange  and  unusual  noises  were  heard  in  the  woods  around, 
which  we  supposed  to  be  Indian  signals  ;  as  this  strange  race 
always  convey  intelligence  to  one  another,  when  on  the  war  path, 
by  means  of  these  sounds.  A  most  singular  and  wild  concert 
they  made  that  night ;  there  was  hooting  of  owls,  and  screeching 
of  wild  cats,  and  yelping  of  wolves,  growling  of  bears,  screaming 
of  panthers,  and  in  short  every  bird  of  the  air  and  beast  of  the 
forest  seemed  to  have  combined  their  musical  talents  to  give  us 
the  benefit  of  their  horrid  voices.  Little  cared  we  for  noises,  by 
whomsoever  made,  so  that  our  horses  were  safe.  And  after 
doubling  the  guard,  we  sank  to  rest  again,  promising  ourselves,  as 
soon  as  the  morrow's  light  should  give  us  an  opportunity,  to  cul- 
tivate a  closer  acquaintance  with  our  strange  musicians. 

As  soon  as  day  dawned,  the  next  morning,  we  prepared  a  hur- 
ried cup  of  cofl!ee,  and  after  munching  our  scanty  allowance  of 
hard  bread  and  dried  beef,  set  out  on  our  journey.  The  signs  of 
moccasoned  feet  were  thick  around  our  camp,  but  the  feet  that 
made  the  tracks,  as  our  Mexican  guide  expressed  it,  were  sacabo 
— which  means,  "  not  about."  The  poor  guide,  after  being  paid 
off  here,  took  his  leave  of  us,  but  not  without  many  misgivings, 
and  with  all  the  speed  his  poor  mule  could  muster,  put  back  for 
the  rancho. 

We  pursued  our  way  on  the  trail,  which  led  us  a  weary  march, 
over  hill  and  valley,  through  thicket  and  prairie,  occasionally 
wending  our  way  to  some  high  hill-top,  when  visions  of  beauty 


MEXICAN    GRATITUDE.  71 

and  grandeur  would  burst  upon  us,  that  were  truly  sublime.  The 
noble  river  rolling  far  beneath,  the  hills  clad  in  deep  rich  green, 
the  thicket  covered  dells,  the  flower  enameled  plain,  and  in  the 
background,  the  shadowy  outline  of  the  distant  mountains ;  all 
added  to  the  magnificent  landscapes  which  were  so  frequently 
spread  before  us. 

Our  way  now  continued  directly  up  the  river,  and  as  we  passed 
the  various  ranchos,  which  lay  upon  the  road,  we  found  that  they 
had  all  been  deserted.  We  halted  at  noon  at  a  large  rancho,  and 
although  it  was  strongly  barricaded,  yet  like  all  the  rest,  it  was 
tenantless  ;  the  Mexicans  who  lived  there  having  fled  across  the 
river  to  escape  from  the  savages.  As  we  rode  up,  they  ventured 
to  show  themselves  on  the  opposite  bank,  and  although  we  endea- 
voured to  make  them  come  across  to  us,  yet  no  pantomimic  en- 
treaties could  prevail  upon  them  to  do  so.  We  wanted  informa- 
tion in  regard  to  the  Indians,  so  our  first-lieutenant,  John  McMul- 
len,  was  sent  with  four  or  five  men  in  an  old  canoe,  which  we 
found  lying  on  the  bank,  across  the  river  to  hold  a  parley  with 
them.  Two  or  three  of  the  Mexicans  accompanied  him  back, 
and  they  gave  us  a  most  doleful  account  of  the  massacre  and  atro- 
cities the  Indians  had  committed.  They  expressed  themselves 
delighted  that  we  had  come  to  their  aid,  but  forgot  not,  in  the 
meanwhile,  as  a  means  of  showing  their  gratitude,  to  make  us 
pay  as  high  as  possible  for  every  thing  we  wanted.  An  Ameri- 
can would  have  thrown  open  his  doors,  and  freely  given  the  con- 
tents of  his  larder,  or  his  granaries,  to  men  who  had  marched  a 
weary  way  to  come  to  his  assistance  and  relief.  Not  so  with  the 
Mexican — he  looks  upon  every  stranger,  whether  friend  or  foe, 
as  the  legitimate  subject  of  his  extortion  and  spoliation,  and  allows 
no  opportunity  to  pass  by  unimproved.  On  this  occasion,  they 
kindly  consented  to  sell  us  eggs  at  sixty  cents  a  dozen,  and  beef, 
corn,  and  other  necessaries,  at  a  like  exorbitant  price.  After  rest- 
ing our  horses  for  a  few  hours,  we  learned  the  route  they  sup- 
posed the  Indians  had  taken,  and  again  set  out  in  pursuit. 

Our  difficulties  began  anew.  The  trail  led  directly  into  the 
thickest  of  the  chaparral,  and  through  the  thorny  bushes  we  were 
obliged  to  go.  The  thicket  was  so  dense  that  we  frequently 
were  compelled  to  dismount,  and  lead  our  horses  through  places 
where  it  was  impossible  for  a  mounted  man  to  penetrate.  Our 
clothes  were  literally  torn  off"  us.  Frequently  the  low  hanging 
branches  which  obstructed  our  way,  would  nearly  drag  us  from 
our  saddles ;  and  before  we  emerged  from  the  twilight  gloom  of 
that  dense  thicket,  there  was  not  a  man  among  us,  but  who  was 
firmly  convinced  that  he  had  seen  "  the  elephant  in  the  chapar- 
ral.''^    Following  the  trail,  we  at  length  arrived  at  the  river,  and 


TS 


MEXICANS  AND   INDIANS. 


great  was  our  relief  to  have  once  more  an  unimpeded  path  to 
travel.  Continuing  our  way  along  the  bank,  we  soon  arrived  at 
a  small  rancho,  which  bore  evident  marks  of  the  Indian's  depre- 
dation. They  had  killed  the  cattle,  driven  off  all  the  horses,  and 
carried  off  with  them  some  Mexican  children,  and  a  young  girl, 
who  was  said  to  have  been  celebrated  for  her  great  beauty.  The 
Mexicans  generally,  we  speak  of  the  character  of  the  mass  of  the 
people,  are  certainly  base  cowards.  Whenever  the  Indians  ap- 
proach the  ranchos,  the  men  run  off,  and  hide  themselves,  leaving 
the  women  totally  unprotected.  As  soon  as  they  think  all  danger 
is  over — they  then  return,  and  braggadocio-like,  swear  vengeance, 
threatening  to  exterminate  the  tribe  ;  and  mounting  their  caballos, 
pretend  to  give  chase,  but  taking  good  care  not  to  come  up  with 
their  foe.  The  Indians,  well  knowing  their  character,  frequently 
lie  in  wait,  on  the  occasion  of  these  exhibitions  of  bravery,  and 
reward  them  for  their  cowardice  by  cutting  their  throats.  The 
Comanches  are  far  superior  to  the  class  of  piones  or  serfs  in 
Mexico,  in  every  particular.  Upon  one  occasion,  an  Indian  was  sur-» 
rounded  by  a  large  parly,  having  his  squaw  and  child  with  him — 
he  was  told  to  surrender — ^but  replied,  that  "  the  Comanches 
never  surrendered  in  the  defence  of  a  woman'" — giving  them 
battle,  he  drove  them  back  with  his  single  arm,  until  the  woman 
and  child  could  escape ;  dealing  destruction  on  every  side  with 
his  knife,  until  he  was  shot  down,  weltering  in  the  blood  of  his 
enemies  ! 

We  found  several  of  their  arrows  lying  about,  but  could  discover 
no  clue  to  inform  us  of  their  immediate  whereabouts.  As  it  was 
growing  late,  McCulloch  concluded  to  pitch  his  camp  about  two 
miles  beyond  this  place,  and  we  reached  the  spot  just  as  the  sun 
Was  sinking  in  the  west.  The  place  selected  was  directly  on  the 
river  bank,  and  a  Mexican  corn-field  furnished  a  convenient  pen 
for  our  horses,  during  the  night.  The  corn  had  been  removed 
from  the  field,  but  there  was  plenty  of  good  grass  left,  and  our 
tired  animals  were  turned  in  to  graze  at  will  upon  the  excellent 
pasture.  A  steep  bank,  about  thirty  feet  high,  formed  one  side  of 
the  enclosure,  and  the  river  the  other — the  two  ends  being  enclosed 
by  fences  running  from  the  bank  to  the  water-side.  Our  place  of ' 
encampment  was  on  the  table-land,  on  the  bank  above,  where  we 
could  overlook  the  whole  enclosure.  Four  sentinels  were  placed 
over  the  horses,  while  the  camp  itself  was  left  entirely  unguarded. 
Indeed,  as  we  ourselves  practised  somewhat  the  Indian  mode  of 
campaigning,  we  never  feared  a  surprise  or  night  attack ;  for,  as 
ive  always  slept  with  our  arms  by  our  sides,  we  were  always  pre- 
pared to  spring  to  our  feet  and  be  ready  on  the  instant  to  repulse 
the  foe,  or  rush  forward  to  the  attack.     Our  horses  gave  us  our 


A    BATHING   SCENE.  73 

only  trouble,  and  if  we  were  certain  that  they  were  securely 
guarded,  we  cared  not  for  the  foe  who  might  venture  to  assault  us. 

The  next  day,  we  learned  from  some  rancheros  who  had  seen 
the  light  of  our  fites  on  the  night  previous,  and  who  had  come  over 
to  visit  us,  by  day-break  in  the  morning,  that  the  Indians  had 
crossed  the  river,  some  few  miles  above,  early  on  the  morning  of 
the  preceding  day,  and  were  supposed  to  be  now  lurking  somewhere 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Mier.  In  order  to  pursue  them,  we  again 
were  compelled  to  swim  the  river,  which  was  not  accomplished  with- 
out a  vast  deal  of  trouble  and  fatigue.  At  length,  after  a  repetition 
of  some  of  the  scenes  we  witnessed  at  the  first  crossing,  we  all 
passed  over  in  safety,  and  shaped  our  course  directly  for  the  town 
of  Mier.  As  we  approached  the  place  it  presented  a  beautiful  ap- 
pearance, with  its  snowy  walls  and  turrets  gleaming  in  the  reflected 
light  of  the  sun  ;  and  its  good  citizens  were  not  a  Httle  surprised 
to  find  a  company  of  los  Texanos  so  unexpectedly  at  their  doors. 

Just  before  entering  the  town,  we  had  to  ford  a  beautiful  stream 
which  danced  merrily  along,  and  rippled  over  its  rocky  bed,  pure, 
cool,  and  as  Hmpid  as  a  mountain  rivulet.  As  we  rode  up,  still 
being  concealed  behind  a  high  bank,  a  rare  sight  was  presented 
to  our  view.  Some  fifty  or  sixty  young  Mexican  girls  were  bath- 
ing in  the  lovely  stream,  making  the  air  ring  with  their  merry 
laughter,  and  the  water  foam  and  splash  with  their  sportive  agile 
movements.  Occasionally,  their  unveiled  charms  were  exposed  to 
our  gaze  as  we  peeped  cautiously  over  the  high  bank  at  the  lovely 
nymphs,  who  continued  their  joyous  sports,  totally  unconscious  of 
our  presence.  Every  form  of  maiden  loveliness  stood  before  us,  from 
the  girl  of  eighteen  to  the  budding  beauty  of  the  laughing  child. 
How  long  we  might  have  gazed  entranced  upon  this  fair  original 
scene,  we  cannot  pretend  to  say  ;  for,  unfortunately  for  us,  one  of  the 
young  girls  happened  to  glance  above,  and  descried  a  long  fine  of 
strange,  bearded,  and  moustached  faces  peering  earnestly  over  the 
bank  at  them.  The  sight  we  now  witnessed  afforded  us  the  highest 
merriment.  The  alarm  had  been  quickly  given,  and  the  girls,  in 
confusion  and  dismay,  paddling  and  splashing,  quickly  made  for 
the  shore,  with  screams  and  shrieks  ;  and  scampering  towards  their 
garments,  rebosas,  mantillas,  and  gowns,  picked  up  in  all  direc- 
tions, were  put  on  in  a  hurry,  and  then  running — such  a  foot-race 
for  home,  half-dressed  as  they  were,  made  one  of  the  most  amusing 
and  laughable  scenes  that  we  ever  saw.  It  was  soon  spread  that 
a  large  American  troop  of  horse  had  arrived,  and  the  whole  popu- 
lation swarmed  out  to  see  us.  We  rode  into  town,  in  double  file, 
and  proceeded  directly  to  the  alcalde's  apartments,  to  make  a  re- 
quisition for  meat  and  bread. 

The  order  was  quickly  complied  with,  and  the  desired  articles 

7 


74  RETURN   TO    COMARGO. 

^forthcoming ;  for  they  knew  not,  as  yet,  whether  we  came  as  friends 
*  cr  foes,  (as  the  place  had  not  yet  been  garrisoned  by  our  troops,)  and 
the  only  way  to  make  a  Mexican  act  promptly,  is  to  operate  on  his 
^fears.  Under  the  shadow  of  some  beautiful  shade-trees,  which 
ornamented  the  streets  of  the  town,  we  sought  shelter  from  the 
scorching  rays  of  the  sun,  and  despatched  our  rations  of  sweet 
bread,  fresh  meat,  and  poloncias,  (Mexican  sugar,)  with  an  appe- 
tite sharpened  by  our  previous  exertions.  Mier  is  a  pretty  town, 
and  rejoices  in  the  possession  of  a  multitude  of  fair  women ;  indeed, 
we  thought  that  it  contained  more  beauty  than  any  place  we  had 
yet  visited. 

So  much  has  been  said  of  Mier  by  others,  that  we  will  not 
here  attempt  to  describe  its  localities.  We  had  among  us  many 
of  the  brave  men  who  had  participated  in  the  engagement  which 
rendered  its  name  immortal  on  the  page  of  Texian  history ;  and 
all  the  most  notable  points  of  the  battle-ground  were  pointed  out  to 
us  by  Lieut.  McMullen,  who  was  in  the  fight,  and  who,  as  our 
readers  already  have  seen,  shared  all  the  horrors  of  Mexican  cap- 
tivity. Thus  was  our  day  spent  in  Mier,  and  it  was  with  no  httle 
reluctance  that  we  were  compelled  to  leave  so  pleasant  a  spot. 
But  a  soldier's  orders  are  his  only  law,  and  when  our  commander 
had  learned  that  the  Indians  had  struck  off  from  this  place  towards 
their  great  hunting-grounds  in  the  north-west,  he  concluded  to  dis- 
continue further  the  pursuit.  Accordingly,  our  horses'  heads 
were  turned  towards  our  old  post,  Comargo ;  and  after  another  hard 
day's  ride,  and  again  swimming  another  river,  the  San  Juan,  we 
arrived  safely  on  its  banks,  and  were  warmly  welcomed  to  our 
quarters  by  our  messmates  and  friends  ;  and  as  we  sat  around  our 
suppers,  which  were  cooking  on  the  fires,  we  related  to  our  anxious 
comrades  the  incidents  of  the  scout. 

To  those  who  are  at  all  acquainted  with  the  skilful  stratagems 
used  by  the  roving  tribes  of  the  prairies,  to  baffle  and  elude  pur- 
suit, and  the  amazing  rapidity  with  which  they  move  when  on  a 
marauding  expedition,  no  explanation  need  be  given  for  the  un- 
successful termination  of  our  expedition.  But  if  there  be  any  not 
over-versed  in  such  matters,  and  yet  over-curious  on  the  subject,  we 
have  only  to  say  to  such,  go  to  Mexico,  join  a  ranging  company, 
start  out  in  a  hurry,  almost  without  provisions,  upon  an  Indian 
trail,  swim  three  rivers,  and  follow  a  Comanche  war-party  for 
five  days  and  nights,  through  the  chaparral,  and  we  will  wager 
high  that  at  the  termination  of  the  chase,  you  will  be  perfectly 
satisfied  upon  the  subject,  and  will  never  be  inquisitive  again  about 
the  pleasures  or  result  of  an  Indian  scout. 


THE   HOSPITAL   OF   THE   SICK.  75 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  Hospital  of  the  Sick — Soldiers'  Anecdotes — Orders  for  our  March — 
Scout  to  China — The  Sugar  Rancho — The  strange  Guide — An  extraordi- 
nary Vision — The  March  at  Night — Rancho  El  Toro— The  Arm-Chair 
Church — Preparations  for  a  Fight — The  false  Alarm — Our  Entrance  into 
China — Retreat  of  Col.  Seguin  and  his  Men — The  vain  Pursuit. 

Having  seen  the  termination  of  "The  Indian  Scout,"  which 
the  writer  was  deprived  of  participating  in,  we  will  ask  of  the 
kind  reader  to  go  back  with  us  from  the  time  we  were  made  an 
invalid  until  the  next  expedition  of  our  company,  in  order  to  bring 
up  our  "  Journal  notes." 

We  lay  sick  then  in  the  hospital  tent  of  the  5th  infantry,  to 
which  we  had  been  removed  by  the  kindness  of  our  friends ;  and 
stretched  out  on  a  pallet  among  the  sick  soldiers  of  that  regi- 
ment, we  suffered  for  some  days  from  the  excruciating  disease  of 
the  cHmate.  There  is  no  place  like  the  couch  of  the  sick  for 
reflection  and  meditation.  There,  man  is  made  to  feel  his  help- 
lessness and  his  dependency  upon  the  will  of  a  Supreme  Being ; 
there,  feeling  the  uncertainty  of  hfe,  his  soul  softens  and  relents 
towards  his  fellow  man ;  the  stern  purpose,  or  fell  design,  relaxes  in 
determination  ;  and  he  who,  in  health  the  day  before,  would  have 
stopped  at  nothing,  is  then  made  as  weak  and  helpless  as  a  child. 
The  hospital  of  the  sick,  especially  that  of  the  soldier,  is  human 
nature  undisguised.  It  is  the  mirror  of  character,  into  which  one 
may  look  and  read  at  will.  Scenes  of  every  nature  are  reflected 
there,  from  the  gayest  to  the  most  mournful.  And,  oh  !  most  sad 
and  sorrowful  is  it,  melancholy,  and  most  painful  of  all  scenes,  to 
see  a  young  soldier  in  the  bloom  and  hey-day  of  life,  when  his 
fond  anticipations  and  dearest  prospects  glow  brightest  with  the 
fire  of  enthusiasm,  lying  on  the  couch  of  death,  with  no  kind 
friend  or  relative  near  to  speak  a  soothing  word  of  consolation,  or 
to  remember  him  to  those  he  loved,  or  bear  to  them  his  dying  wish, 
as  his  last  breath  vanishes  upon  the  atmosphere  of  a  foreign  land, 
and  sinking  into  the  arms  of  death,  not  even  to  be  mentioned 
or  remembered  for  the  service  he  had  rendered,  or  known  to  the 
world  as  one  who  had  fought  in  the  defence  of  his  country's  cause. 
These  thoughts  naturally  arose  in  our  mind  as  we  saw,  in  our 
presence,  a  poor  fellow  carried  out  to  be  buried,  who  had  fought 
bravely  at  the  late  battles,  and  was  now  to  be  entombed  without  a 
tear,  or  hardly  a  regret,  to  follow  him  to  his  grave,  save  that  which 
the  volley  of  muskets  echoed  as  the  fresh  green  earth  was  piled 
over  his  corpse. 


76  soldiers'  anecdotes. 

It  was  on  the  afternoon  of  the  24th  of  July,  when  the  sun  was 
slowly  sinking  to  its  "  nightly  hourne,"  and  shedding  upon  the 
camp-scene  of  snow-white  tents  its  soft  mellow  rays,  which 
breathe  a  "  transient  farewell,"  that  we  had  awaked  from  a  quiet 
slumber,  and  became  attracted  by  the  colloquy  of  two  of  the  sick 
men,  who  were  evidently  speaking  of  the  young  man  who  had 
but  lately  died. 

"  Well,  Barney  was  the  pride  of  his  company — a  jewel  of  a 
boy ;  Heaven  rest  his  sowl,"  said  one,  as  he  drew  himself  up  on 
his  elbow.  "Pass  the  pipe,  Larry,  darhnt,"  said  he,  drawing 
a  long  sigh  and  stretching  out  his  hand  to  his  companion,  who 
lay  on  the  next  pallet,  and  then,  taking  a  few  whiffs,  continued  : 
"  Sure  that  was  the  boy  that  had  the  heart  in  'im.  It  was  the 
night  after  the  battle  of  the — what's  this  ye  call  it  ? — '  Risecar  de 
Palmy,'  that  we  were  carrying  the  wounded  Mexicans  to  the 
hospital  in  the  rear,  when  a  dhrop  of  wather  was  worth  a  pair  of 
Mexicans,  that  self-same  time — ^bad  luck  to  'em — and  a  poor  divil 
that  had  the  leg  off  him,  was  howlin  murther  for  a  dhrink,  when 
up  steps  poor  Barney — may  the  Holy  Virgin  kape  him — and 
taking  the  canteen  from  his  neck,  held  it  to  the  poor  divil's  mouth 
till  he  got  the  fill  of  it ;  and  could  yees  'av  seen  the  rollin'  of  his 
eyes,  as  he  looked  poor  Barney  in  the  face  to  thank  him,  say- 
ing, '  Mi  Tampico,'  it  would  'av  made  ye  blink  yer  weepers." 

"  Wasn't  it  Barney  that  helped  to  find  Gen.  Arista's  chest 
of  money  ?"  said  Larry. 

"  Sure  it  wasn't  anybody  else,"  rephed  his  companion  ;  "  and 
iv  it  had  a  been  me,  be  gor,  I  niver  would  a  turned  it  in  at  all." 

"  Tut,  man,"  said  Larry,  "  its  only  talking  ye  are  now  ;  for 
wasn't  the  order  out  to  turn  in  every  thing  down  to  a  brass  but- 
ton ?  and  didn't  I  have  to  give  up  me  illegant  pistols  and  silver 
spurs  ?     Truth,  then,  how  could  yees  kape  from  it  ?" 

"  How  could  I  kape  from  it  ?"  said  his  companion.  "  Sure,  then, 
it's  givin'  the  box  a  dacent  burial  I  would,  and  divil  a  bit  would 
I  iver  gone  near  it  'til  I  got  me  discharge,  and  wouldn't  that  be 
keeping  from  it  ?"  The  convalescent  here  joined  in  the  laugh  at 
Paddy's  wit. 

"  'Tare  an  ouns,"  said  Larry,  "  it  was  mighty  mean  of  'em 
any  how  to  take  away  from  us  the  little  plunder  we'd  picked  up 
after  such  hard  fightin'.     Wouldn't  it  'av  been  more  dacent  to^ 
have  divided  it  betwixt  uz  ?" 

"  Thrue  for  you,  Larry,"  said  Pat,  "  and  sorry  I  am  I  didn't 
enhst  for  the  seas,  instead  of  the  land  sarvice  ;  for  there,  I  am 
tould,  they  divides  the  plunder  betwixt  'em  all,  whiniver  they  takes 
a  prize,  and,  be  gor,  it's  no  more  than  fair  any  how.  But  I  hear 
say  it's  the  reconciliation  poHcy  of  the  government.     *  Thunder 


11 

an'  turf,*  who  iver  heard  of  reconciliation,  except  with  a  purty 
girl  ye  had  fallen  out  with  ?" 

Saturday,  25th.  Very  hot ;  improving  slowly,  hut  very  weak; 
amused  all  the  morning  listening  to  an  Irish  soldier,  who  was 
relating  anecdotes  of  the  last  battle,  which  we  give  literally  to  the 
reader. 

"  The  violent  shot  of  the  enemy,"  as  Pat  expressed  it,  "  when 
the  5th  came  up  to  support  the  charge  of  the  dragoons,  made  the 
presperation  come  on  us  all ;  but  wasn't  it  a  howl  of  madre  de 
dios  the  divils  set  up  at  the  ^God-damn-me^s,^  as  they  called  us 
when  we  scared  them  out  of  the  chaparral !  Be  Heavens,  the 
British  never  beat  that.  Just  then  it  was  that  our  colonel  (Mcin- 
tosh) got  the  bayonet  in  him,  when  a  ball  tickled  the  ear  of  Capt. 
Scott,  and  the  '  old  coon'  turns  round,  and  sez  he,  *  That  bullet 
never  was  made  for  Martin  Scott,'  and  divil  a  bit  was  he  hurt  at 
all." 

"Do  you  mind  the  day,  Larry,"  continued  Pat,  "that  we  went 
out  in  the  morning  to  bring  in  the  wounded,  iv  they  wasn't  all 
dead  ?" 

"  Troth  I  do,"  said  Larry. 

"  Sure  it  was  a  sorry  looking  place,"  continued  Pat,  "  and 
•  Holy  Mother,'  I  kept  saying  me  prayers  all  the  while,  for  fear 
some  on  'em  would  come  to  hfe  and  shoot  me  unawares.  Och, 
blazes  !  but  that  was  the  worst  ranchero  I  iver  saw." 

"  Who  was  that  ?"  said  one. 

"Why,  when  Larry  and  I  was  about  the  middle  of  the  dead 
divils,  I  picks  up  a  canteen  full  of  some  liquor ;  it  wasn't  whisky, 
and  the  divil  knows  what  it  was  ;  but  it  had  the  spirit  in  it,  and 
barrin  the  smell,  was  mighty  good  tasted." 

"  Muscal,"  said  some  one. 

"  Ay,  perhaps  that  was  it.  Well,  after  tipping  the  muzzle  to 
me  lips,  I  hands  it  over  to  Larry,  when  I  sees  one  of  the  dead 
divils  open  his  eyes  at  me  !  *  Och,  blood  and  murther,  sure, 
Larry,'  sez  I,  '  here's  one  of  the  dead  Mex'ans  looking  straight 
at  us  with  his  two  eyes  !'  And  with  that  '  Larry'  drops  the  can- 
teen, and  pints  his  bayonet  right  at  him,  when  the  ranchero  gets 
up  with  one  iv  our  dragoon  jackets  on  him,  and  all  around  him 
was  a  heap  of  plunder,  that  the  villain  had  stolen  from  the  dead. 
So  with  the  plunder  we  takes  him  to  camp,  and  turns  him  and  the 
plunder  over  to  the  *  officer  of  the  day  ;'  and  may  I  never  forgive 
meself  for  not  blowin'  his  brains  out  for  the  scare  he  gave  me ; 
for  I  took  the  ager  at  the  time,  and,  by  me  sowl,  I  haven't  got 
over  it  yit,  and  I  beheve  it's  the  cause  I'm  here  now." 

Sunday,  26th.  Very  pleasant.  Thanks  to  the  kind-hearted 
and  gentlemanly  surgeon  of  the  5th  infantry,  Dr.  James  R.  Con- 

7* 


78  THE   STRANGE    GUIDE. 

rad,  we  were  now  convalescent,  though  still  feeble.  The  doctor 
would  frequently  sit  hours  by  our  pallet,  keeping  us  amused  with 
his  dry  stories,  and  we  must  be  permitted  here  to  return  him  our 
grateful  acknowledgments.  In  the  afterpoon,  we  dressed  ourself 
and  left  the  hospital  for  the  more  agreeable  quarters  of  our  friend 
Lieut.  D.,  where  we  spent  a  very  pleasant  evening  with  a  select 
party,  and,  retiring  to  our  friend's  cot  while  the  band  was  playing 
a  soft  melting  air,  we  graduall}"-  sunk  into  a  sweet  repose.  The 
next  day  was  very  hot ;  but  we  found  ourself  improving  very  fast, 
and  reading  the  "  Three  Guardsmen"  to  occupy  our  time,  we  felt 
again  all  the  wild  excitement  of  the  "  hero,"  and  were  anxious 
once  more  to  be  like  him  in  the  saddle,  engaged  in  active  service. 
On  the  30th,  we  joined  our  company  and  returned  to  camp 
duties. 

On  the  first  of  August,  to  our  great  joy,  we  received  secret 
orders  to  march.  All  now  was  great  excitement.  Many  of  our 
horses  were  to  be  shod,  and  it  was  not  without  great  difficulty  that 
we  could  obtain  iron  enough  for  the  purpose.  The  different 
messes  were  busily  occupied  cleaning  their  arms,  moulding  bul- 
lets, and  parching  coffee  for  the  scout. 

On  the  morning  of  the  third,  at  8,  a.  m.,  the  command  was 
ready  and  departed,  leaving  a  rear-guard  of  some  ten  or  twelve  to 
follow  after,  among  whom  were  Mr.  Kendall  and  ourself.  At  10, 
A.  M.,  we  started,  having  been  detained  for  special  purposes ;  one 
of  which  was  to  throw  the  spies  off  the  scent;  and  taking  a  W.  S. 
W.  course  we  stopped  at  the  Sugar  Rancho,  where  we  found 
Duncan's  artillery  encamped.  After  spending  a  few  moments 
here  with  our  friends,  we  rode  on.  The  sky  looked  threatening, 
and  soon  after  a  tremendous  shower  of  rain  came  up — in  the  midst 
of  which  a  horseman  was  seen  pursuing  us,  at  full  speed,  and 
coming  up,  he  asked  us  as  he  rode  by,  if  our  name  was  "  Reid." 
Upon  replying  to  him  in  the  affirmative,  he  dashed  on,  much  to 
our  surprise,  telling  Us  to  wait  a  moment  at  the  next  rancho.  On 
our  arrival  at  the  hut,  we  saw  him  changing  his  clothes,  and  then 
taking  a  fresh  hofse,  rode  up  with  us,  and  putting  a  note  into  our 
hand  from  Capt.  Duncan,  said  he  would  show  us  the  camp  of 
Capt.  McCulloch,  as  he  knew  that  he  had  encamped  some  place  in 
the  hills.  His  manner  was  much  hurried  and  excited,  and  seemed 
so  strange  that  we  first  looked  suspiciously  on  him.  He  took  the 
lead,  and  after  winding  around  some  deep  gullies  and  hills  for 
about  three  miles,  he  changed  his  course  to  a  high  ridge,  and 
bade  us  follow.  We  approached  cautiously  in  double  file  until  we 
gained  its  top,  where  we  found  the  camp  of  our  boys.  It  was 
raining  so  hard  at  the  time  that  we  could  not  learn  clearly  the 
purport  of  the  note.     It  now  appeared  that  the  man,  whose  name 


OBJECT   OF   THE   SCOUT,  79 

was  Baker,  was  sent  by  Capt.  Duncan,  to  act  as  guide  for  us, 
or  serve  us  in  any  way,  with  instructions  to  return  in  two  or 
three  days.  Capt.  McCulloch  then  held  a  conference  with  him, 
and  concluded  to  dispense  with  his  services.  Baker  was  from 
Tennessee,  and  had  lived  many  years  in  Mexico,  and  knew 
the  country  well,  having  been  engaged  in  trading  with  the 
Mexicans. 

It  soon  after  cleared  up,  though  we  got  drenched  to  the  skin. 
The  boys  had  nooned  it  here,  and  we  were  too  late  for  coffee,  but* 
the  delicious  fumes  of  broiled  bacon  added  to  our  appetite,  and 
with  a  piece  of  it  on  a  hard  biscuit  we  made  a  hearty  meal.  That 
day  we  travelled  twenty-five  miles,  and  encamped  for  the  night  in 
a  thick  wood,  about  one  hundred  yards  from  the  banks  of  the  river 
San  Juan.  As  the  order  was  given  to  halt  and  dismount,  the  boys 
made  a  rush  for  the  best  trees  to  camp  under.  The  guard  was 
set,  fires  were  kindled,  water  was  brought,  and  the  jolly  and  hardy 
Rangers  were  sitting  around  talking  over  the  object  of  the  expe- 
dition and  spinning  yarns,  while  the  supper  was  cooking  on  the 
fire.  We  may  as  well  here  state  that  the  object  of  the  expedition 
was  two-fold  ;  first  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  the  China  road, 
and  its  practicability  for  artillery,  it  being  the  most  direct  route 
to  Monterey,  and  secondly  to  capture  Col.  Seguin  and  his  men, 
whom  we  learned  were  stationed  there,  numbering  about  one  hun- 
dred and  forty.  Our  saddles  served  that  night  for  heading,  as  the 
Texians  call  a  pillow,  and  our  blankets  for  our  bed.  After  supper, 
the  first  watch  was  relieved,  and  the  second  posted,  save  which, 
all  the  camp  was  soon  wrapped  in  sleep. 

The  morning  of  the  fourth  was  cloudy.  Sleeping  in  wet  clothes 
and  then  having  to  stand  guard  from  2,  a.  m.,  till  dayhght,  is  not 
very  pleasant ;  but  still,  being  tinged  with  adventure,  the  unplea- 
sant duty  was  in  a  degree  relieved  by  its  excitement,  and  the  cau- 
tion necessary  to  be  observed  at  this  particular  period  of  the  watch, 
as  it  is  the  time  always  selected  by  the  Indians,  and  generally  by 
the  Mexicans  for  an  attack.  Day  broke,  however,  without  the 
occurrence  of  any  incident,  and  we  had  barely  time  to  swallow 
our  httle  breakfast,  before  the  order  "  Saddle  up,  men,"  rang 
through  the  encampment.  We  rode  on  all  day,  traveUing  in  a 
very  fast  walk  ;  and  there  was  much  fun  and  merry  glee,  through- 
out the  long  line  of  double  file  as  we  journeyed  on.  At  5,  p.  m.,  we 
encamped  near  the  road  side,  to  rest  and  graze  our  horses,  as  well 
as  to  partake  ourselves  of  such  refreshment  as  our  wallets  af- 
forded. It  was  intensely  hot,  and  the  camp-ground,  composed  of 
but  a  few  chaparral  bushes,  affording  us  but  little  or  no  shade,  we 
spread  our  saddle  blankets  over  their  tops  to  keep  us  sheltered 
from  the  sun.     Under  one  of  these  bushes  might  have  been  seen 


80  AN   EXTRAORDINARY   VISION. 

our  captain,  poring  over  a  map,  as  he  lay  on  the  ground  resting  on 
his  elbow,  and,  tracing  with  his  finger  the  lines  there  laid  down, 
seemed  to  be  intent  upon  some  scheme,  which  he  was  revolving 
in  his  own  brain.  Notwithstanding  the  familiarity  of  the  men 
with  our  commander,  for  they  most  usually  called  him  "  Ben," 
yet  on  such  occasions  there  were  but  few  who  dared  to  approach 
him.  Rising  from  the  ground,  and  slowly  folding  up  the  map, 
which  he  placed  in  his  hat,  for  the  most  of  us  were  in  our  shirt 
sleeves,  he  approached  his  favourite  horse,  and  patting  him  on  the 
neck,  as  he  slipped  the  bridle  into  his  mouth,  gave  the  order, 
"  Saddle  up."  We  doubt  whether  there  is  any  cavalry  corps  in 
the  world  that  can  saddle  and  bridle  a  horse  quicker  than  the 
"  Texas  Rangers."  The  order  was  hardly  given,  when  the  ma- 
jority of  the  men  were  in  the  saddle,  and  the  few  that  were  de- 
tained behind,  were  kept  by  some  unruly  pack  mule. 

Our  road  now  lay  along  a  beautiful  skirt  of  country,  and  the  air 
became  cool  by  the  departure  of  the  fiery  rays  of  the  sun.  Far  in 
the  distance  could  be  seen  the  dim  outline  of  the  bluish  mountains, 
like  some  fleecy  cloud.  The  sun  was  setting  with  unusual  gran- 
deur behind  the  distant  mountains,  which  seemed  to  rest  upon  the 
western  horizon,  gilding  the  encircling  view  with  all  the  magnifi- 
cence and  splendour  of  its  golden  rays.  Just  then  we  were 
attracted  by  a  most  extraordinary  vision  in  the  heavens,  and  so 
perfect  was  its  every  outline  as  to  fix  general  attention.  The 
scene  presented  a  battlement  in  the  clouds,  over  which  there  was 
a  large  arch,  and  beneath,  was  a  soldier  with  his  musket  at  a 
charge,  standing  on  a  draw-bridge.  The  picture  was  as  per- 
fect as  if  it  had  been  drawn  by  the  pencil  of  an  artist,  and  caused 
among  the  superstitious  many  ominous  forebodings  of  what  was  to 
come.  As  the  last  fingering  roseate  hue  faded  from  the  sky, 
orders  came  from  the  advance  to  form  into  single  file,  and  to  ob- 
serve complete  silence  ;  and  for  those  leading  mules  to  fall  back  to 
the  rear.  Our  movements,  thus  far,  had  been  made  with  the 
greatest  caution  and  secrecy,  and  a  fight  was  now  thought  to  be 
certain.  The  merry  joke  and  wild  laugh  of  our  companions  were 
no  longer  heard,  and  faces  which  before  looked  without  care,  then 
became  grave  and  thoughtful.  Not  a  murmur  was  heard  through- 
out the  long  rank  of  single  file  of  fifty-six  men.  It  was  a  most 
lovely  night ;  the  silver  goddess  of  the  heavens  was  smiling 
sweetly  in  all  her  transcendent  beauty ;  the  bright  arms  glis- 
tened in  the  moonlight,  and  the  costume  of  our  men  was  as  wilt? 
as  their  appearance  was  ferocious. 

At  11,  p.  M.,  we  passed  a  large  rancho,  about  two  miles  long, 
called  "  Rancho  el  Toro,"  in  the  midst  of  which,  a  little  off  from 
the  road,  there  stood  an  unroofed  chapel,  in  the  shape  of  a  large 


PREPARATIONS   FOR   THE   ATTACK.  81 

arm  chair — with  a  high  oval  arch  for  its  back,  while  the  walls  on 
each  side  represented  the  arms.  A  seat  was  placed  in  the  rear 
for  the  priest,  which  was  approached  by  a  flight  of  steps,  and 
around  the  walls  forming  the  arms,  were  little  shelves,  on  which 
stood  sundry  ornaments  ;  the  front  of  the  church,  if  it  niay  be 
called  one,  being  entirely  open.  Behind  the  arch  stood  a  scaffold 
on  which  was  erected  two  or  three  small  bells.  As  well  as  we 
could  see,  by  moonlight,  the  chapel  had  the  appearance  of  having 
been  very  lately  occupied.  As  we  passed  the  rancho,  all  was  as 
still  as  death,  and  not  a  soul  was  to  be  seen  except  an  occasional 
head  or  two,  peeping  forth  for  a  moment  from  some  half-closed 
window.  Turning  round  the  pass  of  a  high  hill,  we  shortly  after 
descended  a  deep  ravine,  and  crossing  a  boggy  stream  permitted 
our  horses  to  drink,  when  we  gained  the  opposite  bank. 

At  about  midnight,  when  within  less  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
from  the  town  of  China,  a  halt  was  called,  and  a  detachment  of 
twenty  men,  under  the  command  of  our  second-lieutenant,  Allen, 
was  order  to  proceed  with  the  pack  mules,  off  to  the  right  of  the 
road,  some  fifty  yards,  and  station  a  guard,  with  instructions  to 
stop  all  persons  entering  or  going  towards  the  town,  allowing  those 
going  from  it  to  pass  on, — and  at  the  dawn  of  day  to  ride  into  the 
town  and  join  the  main  force,  when  it  was  thought  the  attack 
would  commence.  The  main  body  then  proceeded  on,  taking  a 
circuit  off  to  the  left,  so  as  to  get  round  to  the  rear  of  the  town,  on 
the  Monterey  road.  It  happened  to  fall  to  our  lot  to  be  detailed 
with  the  rear-guard.  We  had  hardly  dismounted  in  the  chapar- 
ral bushes,  and  tied  our  mules,  before  we  took  a  prisoner,  who 
said  that  he  was  out,  looking  for  some  horses.  While  interrogating 
the  prisoner,  and  before  the  guard  was  posted,  one  of  our  men, 
hearing  the  clang  of  sabres,  ran  towards  the  road-side,  and  seeing 
two  Mexican  soldiers,  challenged  them  to  halt,  which  refusing 
to  do,  and  putting  spurs  to  their  horses  to  escape,  they  were 
fired  upon,  and  one,  it  was  thought,  was  badly  wounded.  The 
report  of  the  gun  created  quite  a  sensation  among  us,  as  we  were 
not  aware,  at  the  time,  whence  it  came,  and  during  the  flurry  the 
prisoner  made  his  escape.  The  guard  was  then  posted  in  the 
bushes,  near  the  road,  and  the  balance  of  our  squad  drawn  up  in 
battle  array,  to  prevent  surprise ;  each  man  holding  his  horse  by 
the  bridle,  prepared  to  fight  or  fly.  After  some  consultation,  it  was 
thought  advisable  to  send  one  of  the  men  to  Capt.  McCulloch,  to 
inform  him  of  the  cause  of  the  report  of  the  gun,  and  "Arch  Gib- 
son" volunteering,  was  sent  to  perform  that  duty.  During  his 
absence,  we  made  two  more  Mexicans  prisoners,  who  informed  us 
that  the  main  body  of  Col.  Seguin's  men  had  left  China  about  nine 
o'clock  that  night,  an  express  having  airived  from  Gomargo,  in- 


82  ENTRANCE   INTO   CHINA. 

forming  them  of  our  approach.  The  express  must  have  left  that 
point  at  day-break,  and  going  by  Passa  Sacate,  the  nearest  route, 
by  obtaining  relays,  accomplished  the  defeat  of  our  object. 

On  the  return  of  Gibson,  he  told  us  that  he  had  found  the 
company  encamped  on  a  road,  in  the  rear  of  the  town,  and  that 
they  were  proceeding  to  the  river  bank,  when  the  report  of  the 
gun  arrested  their  movements,  and  they  were  waiting  the  return 
of  the  spies  sent  out  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  alarm ;  but 
upon  his  arrival,  had  concluded  to  remain  in  their  position  until 
daylight,  when  it  was  thought  the  attack  would  be  made. 

"  How  did  you  find  the  camp,  Arch  ?"  asked  one  of  the  men. 

"  Why,  I  was  right  smartly  bothered  at  first,"  said  he,  "  but, 
getting  down  from  my  horse,  I  found  the  shod-tracks  of  our  horses, 
and  letting  my  critter  smell  their  trail,  he  carried  me  right  to  it." 

The  men  were  under  arms  all  night,  and  not  a  wink  of  sleep 
was  allowed  us.  Our  prisoners  lay  on  the  ground,  perfectly 
unconcerned ;  one,  untying  a  corner  of  his  handkerchief  which 
held  his  tobacco,  and  taking  a  corn-shuck  from  his  hat,  made  a 
cigar  which  he  lighted  by  means  of  a  prepared  rag,  with  a  flint 
and  steel ;  and  then  puffing  the  smoke  through  his  nose,  said  "  he 
did  not  mind  remaining  with  us  till  daylight,  but  that  his  young 
wife  w^ould  become  alarmed  at  his  absence :"  at  the  same  time 
the  fellow  was  uncertain  whether  we  intended  cutting  his  throat 
or  not.  At  the  gray  of  the  dawn,  we  left  the  mules  tied  to  the 
chaparral  bushes,  and  mounting  our  horses,  rode  fearlessly  into 
the  town  of  China,  until  we  arrived  at  the  plaza,  where  we  formed. 
As  we  rode  through  the  streets,  the  people  commenced  barricading 
the  doors  and  windows,  in  evident  alarm,  and,  save  one  or  two  men 
standing  on  the  corners,  there  was  no  one  to  be  seen.  Our  sur- 
prise was  somewhat  great,  as  we  could  see  nothing  of  our  com- 
pany !  Presently,  however,  we  discovered  a  few  heads  peeping 
around  a  corner,  and  then  drawn  quickly  back  ;  this  was  repeated 
several  times,  showing  that  the  persons  were  evidently  trying  to 
make  us  out ;  when  the  rest  of  our  company  was  seen  riding  up 
tow^ards  the  plaza,  having  taken  us  at  first  for  Mexican  troops.  As 
Captain  "  Ben"  rode  in,  the  rim  of  his  hat  was  turned  up — a  way 
he  had  when  any  thing  crossed  him,  and  a  sign  for  all  not  to  be 
familiar.  It  was  evident  the  game  had  escaped  us ;  so,  without 
saying  a  word,  he  merely  ordered  us  to  go  back  for  the  mules, 
and  then  follow  him  as  fast  as  possible. 

After  we  had  followed  the  enemy's  trail  for  some  six  miles,  we  ar- 
rived at  the  river  bank,  and  discovered  the  place  where  they  had 
crossed.  But  there  we  found  they  had  scattered  out,  so  as  to  pre- 
vent pursuit,  and  our  orders  did  not  permit  us  to  follow  them  far- 
ther.    On  our  return  to  town,  we  passed  the  place  where  their 


Ci^i  AT   CHINA.  83 

rear-guard  had  been,  and  saw  several  of  their  camp-women  still 
there,  who  had  been  left  behind  in  their  hurried  retreat.  A  dense 
smoke  was  raised  by  these  women,  soon  after  we  passed,  as  a 
signal  for  their  spies,  who  were  supposed  to  be  secreted  in  the  hills. 
This  is  one  of  the  means  of  the  Mexicans  for  making  signals  to 
each  other  in  time  of  war,  as  the  smoke  can  be  seen  many  miles. 
There  was  much  plunder  and  other  property  in  the  camp  of  the 
women,  but  we  passed  without  molesting  them,  and  proceeded  to 
the  town  of  China. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Camp  at  China— The  School-house— Our  return  March — A  Family  up  a 
Tree — We  proceed  to  Passa  Sacate — Trinidad  Alderet — Encampment  in 
the  Prairie — McCulloch's  Story  of  his  father's  Compass — Camp  on  the  San 
Juan — How  to  keep  dry — Rancho  Grande — The  old  Texian's  true  Story — 
Our  return  to  Comargo. 

On  again  entering  the  town  of  China,  on  the  morning  of  the 
5th,  we  encamped  in  a  large  yard  of  one  of  the  main  buildings, 
having  a  good  wall  around  it,  near  the  plaza.  Here  we  unsaddled 
our  horses,  and  sent  some  Mexicans  after  corn  and  fodder ;  and 
being  worn-out,  sleepy,  and  hungry,  we  concluded  to  stay  until 
the  next  day.  We  had  already  loitered  away  the  morning  in  the 
fruitless  pursuit,  and  in  attending  to  our  horses,  so  that  it  was  twelve 
o'clock  before  we  got  any  thing  to  eat.  But  that  day  afforded  us 
the  treat  of  a  good  dinner,  for  we  had  plenty  of  mutton,  chickens, 
and  tortillas.  In  the  building  adjoining,  were  two  quite  pretty 
women,  who  were  very  kind  to  us,  and  told  us  that  Col.  Seguin, 
who  had  once  commanded  a  company  of  Texians  at  the  "  battle 
of  San  Jacinto,"  had  only  left  the  town  after  the  report  of  the  guft, 
and  had  taken  some  men  and  gone  out  to  ascertain  its  cause,  not 
expecting  us  until  the  next  day.  Had  our  company,  then,  not 
been  arrested  in  their  course  by  the  alarm,  they  would  have 
reached  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  thus  cut  off  the  retreat  of  his 
rear-guard.  The  country  which  we  have  passed  through  is  very 
fine ;  ttte  hills  are  very  high,  and  in  the  distance  there  are  several 
mountains  visible,  which  give  to  the  whole  a  splendid  appearance. 

The  town  of  China  is  quite  small,  not  containing  over  1500  in- 
habitants. It  has  a  neat  little  church,  and  the  alcalde's  house  is 
a  fine  building;  but  his  honour  took  good  care  not  to  show 
himself  to  us.  Near  the  plaza  is  also  a  school-house,  the  first  we 
ever  saw  in  Mexico.  Out  of  curiosity,  we  paid  the  school-master 
a  visit.     The  school  contained  about  twenty  or  thirty  little  ragged 


84 


A  FAMILY  IN  A  TREE. 


boys  and  girls,  and  the  principal  branches  taught  were  reading 
and  writing. 

The  boys  had  no  slates,  and  used  instead  sand  boards,  drawing 
their  letters  with  a  stick,  which  served  for  a  pencil.  The  school- 
master was  a  thin,  spare  man,  with  a  hatchet  face,  and  seemed  to 
think  himself  of  more  importance  than  any  other  person  in  the  place, 
which  we  had  good  reason  to  believe.  At  night,  after  supper,  the 
guard  was  paraded,  with  instructions,  in  case  of  a  surprise,  to 
fire  a  gun  as  the  signal  for  a  rally,  when  we  were  all  to  assem- 
ble at  our  captain's  quarters. 

Just  before  day,  the  next  morning,  an  alarm  was  given,  which 
proved  to  be  false,  but  which  had  assembled  all  our  men  to  quar- 
ters, and  as  it  was  intended  that  we  should  have  an  early  start,  the 
men  were  ordered  to  get  breakfast.  Notwithstanding  that  the  night 
had  passed  off  quietly,  yet  it  was  not  without  an  attempt  to  take  us 
prisoners  ;  for  the  alcalde  had  ridden  off  to  Rancho  El  Toro,  and  tried 
all  his  powers  of  persuasion  to  make  the  rancheros  rise  against  us,  but 
their  fears  of  "  los  Texanos"  could  not  be  overcome,  or  else  we  might 
have  enjoyed  some  sport.  As  we  rode  down  to  the  river  bank  to 
water  our  horses,  we  met  the  young  girls  carrying  jars,  who  were 
also  going  after  water.  One  or  two  were  rather  pretty,  and  very 
smilingly  bid  us  "buenos  dias"  as  we  reached  the  bank ;  when  a 
young  Ranger,  celebrated  for  his  gallantry,  taking  a  jar  from  one 
of  the  girls,  filled  it  for  her,  and  placed  it  on  her  head ;  thanking 
him  for  his  kindness  with  a  look  of  modesty,  she  took  his  hand 
and  kissed  it. 

At  5,  A.  M.,  we  were  in  the  saddle  again,  and  passing  by  Rancho 
El  Toro,  we  soon  after  turned  off  and  took  the  road  to  Passa  Sa- 
cate,  where  it  was  supposed  we  would  find  some  of  Seguin's  men, 
the  place  being  fortified.  As  we  passed  along,  we  saw  a  man  and 
woman  up  a  tree  off  from  the  road,  lying  at  their  ease  looking  at 
us,  while  some  httle  ones  lay  nestled  round  about  them !  By 
placing  poles  across  the  branches,  and  in  the  forks  of  the  tree,  and 
spreading  laj'-ers  of  grass,  &c.,  they  had  made  quite  a  comfortable 
nest  of  it.  The  man  was  a  shepherd,  and  having  a  large  flock  to 
tend,  had  made  his  home  in  the  tree.  We  were  told  that  it  was 
frequently  the  case  with  this  class  of  people,  who  were  often  some 
miles  from  a  rancho,  tending  sheep,  and  that  they  take  this  means 
to  preserve  themselves  from  the  wild  animals  and  reptiles  of  the 
country.  At  9,  a.  m.,  we  arrived  at  Passa  Sacate,  a  miserable- 
looking  place,  with  a  fortification  built  upon  a  hill,  which  we  went 
up  to  examine.  We  saw  several  suspicious  fellows  about,  but  met 
with  no  force.  As  we  passed  through  the  rancho,  our  first-lieu- 
tenant, McMullen,  recognised  a  Mexican,  who  proved  to  be  "  Trini- 
dad Alderet,"  a  late  heutenant  at  the  battle  of  Mier,  and  who  took 


85 

down  the  names  of  the  Texian  prisoners.  He  was  very  much 
alarmed,  having  also  recognised  McMullen,  and  would  not  let  the 
men  pay  for  any  thing  that  they  desired  to  purchase.  Continuing 
our  march,  we  crossed  a  deep  ravine,  through  a  dense  chaparral 
thicket,  until  2,  p.  m.,  when  we  encamped  to  graze  our  horses,  and 
get  our  dinners.  After  resting  an  hour  or  so,  we  continued  on 
through  a  wild,  waste,  prairie  country,  following  a  little  path  until 
about  9,  p.  M.,  when  we  encamped  for  the  night.  We  had  met 
with  but  one  stream  of  water  during  this  day's  travel,  and  we  had  no 
supper,  as  fires  were  not  allowed,  for  fear  of  discovering  our  posi- 
tion to  the  enemy.  Our  horses  were  staked  behind  a  little  thicket, 
and  after  posting  the  line  of  sentinels,  we  lay  down  on  our  blankets. 
While  speaking  about  the  course  we  had  travelled*,  and  referring 
to  our  compass,  Capt.  McCulloch  related  the  following  anecdote  : 

"  An  old  woodman,"  said  he,  "  seldom  wants  a  compass  so  long 
as  he  can  see  the  sun,  and  even  when  it  is  cloudy  you  can  always 
tell  where  the  sun  is,  by  a  slight  shadow  from  objects,  be  it  ever 
so  obscured.  I  recollect  once  I  went  a  hunting  with  a  gentleman 
and  my  father,  and  crossing  the  river  in  a  boat,  we  hauled  it  up  on 
the  shore,  and  put  out  into  the  woods.  Well,  we  did  not  meet 
with  much  luck,  and  so  we  put  back  for  the  boat.  It  was  a  cloudy 
day,  and  the  gentleman  carried  a  pocket  compass  with  him,  and 
pointed  out  our  course  back.  We  followed  the  direction  for  some 
time,  but  could  see  no  river.  That  we  were  lost  was  now  beyond 
a  doubt.  And  father  becoming  tired  of  following  the  course  of  the 
gentleman's  compass,  determined  to  be  guided  by  it  no  longer. 

"  '  Well,  it  is  strange,'  said  the  gentleman,  '  the  compass  can^t 
be  wrong !' 

"  'D — n  the  compass,'  said  father, '  my  boy  Ben  is  worth  all  the 
compasses  I  ever  saw  ;'  and  turning  to  me,  said,  '  if  you  don't  take 
us  right  straight  to  that  boat,  Ben,  you  shall  never  go  on  another 
hunt.' 

"  So  I  took  a  straight  shoot,  just  by  guessing  the  way  the  woods 
ran,  and  brought  them  to  the  boat,  sure  enough !  As  we  were 
stepping  in  the  boat,  the  gentleman  said,  with  a  laugh — 

"'Well,  that  boy  Ben  of  yours,  Mr.  McCulloch,  is  a  perfect 
magnetic  needle.  He  will  make  as  great  a  geographer  as  his  cele- 
brated namesake.'  " 

That  night  we  made  two  prisoners,  and  at  daylight  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  7th,  started  without  breakfast,  and  rode  on,  passing 
several  ranchos,  until  10,  a.  m.,  when  we  encamped  on  the  banks 
of  the  San  Juan,  twenty  miles  from  Comargo.  On  the  road  we 
met  an  old  man  carrying  eggs  and  chickens  to  market  at  Comargo, 
whom  we  immediately  bought  out,  and  saved  him  the  trouble  of  his 
journey.     We  had  a  most  capital  dinner  of  eggs,  chickens,  and 

8 


Ob  HOW  TO   KEEP  DHY. 

coffee,  and  fine  peaches  for  dessert,  which  were  brought  to  us  from 
the  neighbouring  ranchos.  The  river  here  was  very  rapid  and 
obstructed  by  rocks,  with  steep,  rugged  banks.  Several  of  the 
boys  went  in  bathing  here,  but  the  water  was  too  turbid  to  be 
pleasant.  In  the  afternoon  a  heavy  rain  was  seen  coming  up,  and 
hurried  preparations  were  made  to  preserve  our  arms  from  the  wet. 
A  young  Ranger  was  seen  taking  off  his  clothes,  which  he  care- 
fully rolled  up  in  his  blanket,  and  placing  them  at  the  foot  of  a 
tree,  covered  the  whole  with  his  saddle,  when  the  rain  commenced 
falling  in  torrents.  He  stood  out  in  its  midst,  with  perfect  indif- 
ference, while  the  rest  of  his  comrades  were  wrapped  in  their 
blankets,  and  bad  sought  the  shelter  of  the  trees  from  the  storm. 

"  What  are  you  doing  out  there,  Harry  ?"  said  one  of  his 
messmates. 

"  Taking  a  shower-bath,"  said  Harry. 

"  Why,  your  clothes  will  get  all  wet,  you  fool." 

"  No  they  won't,  either,"  said  Harry,  "  for  they  are  wrapped 
up  in  my  blanket. 

"  And  where  is  your  blanket  ?" 

"  Why,  under  my  saddle,  snug  enough  !"  said  Harry,  with  a 
knowing  look. 

"  Well,  that  heats  me,"  said  his  messmate,  bursting  into  a  loud 
laugh,  in  which  all  heartily  joined ;  "  who  ever  would  have  thought 
of  that  way  to  keep  dry  !" 

The  sun  shortly  after  came  out,  but  before  we  succeeded  in  drying 
our  blankets  and  clothes,  the  order  was  given  to  "  saddle  up,"  and 
Harry  was  the  only  one  in  the  company  that  rejoiced  in  having  a 
dry  suit  to  his  back.  We  rode  on  till  8,  p.  m.,  Avhen  we  arrived  at 
Rancho  Grande,  where  we  encamped  for  the  night.  Here  we 
made  fires  and  cooked  supper,  and  bought  corn  from  the  Mexicans 
for  our  horses,  which  were  put  into  a  coraU  or  cattle  pen.  There 
were  a  great  many  women  here,  who  did  a  good  business,  selhng 
us  tortillas  and  goat's  milk.  They  were  very  sulky,  and  only 
wanted  our  money,  showing  that  they  took  no  pleasure  to  serve  us. 
We  now  felt  secure  from  surprise,  and  after  the  guard  had  been 
detailed,  we  spread  our  blankets  around  the  pen,  and  lay  down 
for  a  good  sleep,  our  saddles  as  usual  serving  for  a  pillow.  It  was 
a  fine  moonHght  night,  and  although  we  were  very  tired,  yet  the 
merry  laughter  which  rang  on  the  still  air,  proved  that  fatigue 
had  no  power  to  depress  our  spirits.  While  thus  lying  on  our 
blankets,  smoking  our  pipes  and  cigars,  a  story  was  called  for  by 
one  of  our  mess,  and  the  oldest  Texian  of  our  party  was  urged  by 
all  to  spin  us  a  yarn.  Clearing  his  throat,  and  replenishing  his 
pipe,  the  old  fellow  thus  commenced : 

"  I  don't  know  much  about  story-teUing,  boys,  but  I  can  tell  you 


The  Abduction. — p.  87. 


87 

of  a  thing  that  once  happened  in  my  settlement,  which,  if  it  is  not 
altogether  new  to  most  of  you,  at  least  has  the  plain  truth  to 
recommend  it.  Some  of  you  recollect  old  Andrew  Lockhart, 
who  used  to  hve  down  in  the  hig  hend  of  the  Warloupe,  (Guada- 
loupe)  just  below  the  Gluero  settlement.  At  the  time  I  speak  of, 
he  had  a  daughter  just  seventeen,  and  as  beautiful  and  as  delicate 
as  a  prairie  flower.  Many  a  youngster's  head  was  turned  by  her 
beauty,  and  many  a  brave  lad's  heart  burned  to  win  and  wear  the 
'  Rose  of  the  Warloupe.'  Old  Andrew  was  moughty  proud  of  his 
gal,  and  loved  her  as  deeply  as  any  father  could  love  a  child.  One 
summer  evening  she  strolled  out  in  the  prairie  to  gather  flowers, 
when  suddenly  a  war  party  of  the  Comanches  dashed  out  of  the 
timber  bottom,  and  rushed  upon  her.  She  shrieked  and  turned  to 
fly,  but  it  was  no  use ;  a  delicate  gal  could  hardly  escape  such 
fleet  pursuers  as  were  on  her  trail,  and  before  she  had  run  twenty 
yards,  the  chief  dashed  by,  and  stooping  from  the  saddle  as  he 
passed,  seized  her  around  the  waist,  and  raised  her  by  his  strong 
arm  to  a  seat  before  him.  Without  halting  his  horse  for  a  mo- 
ment, was  this  feat  accomplished,  and  before  the  poor  gal  could 
scarcely  cry  aloud  for  aid,  she  was  borne  rapidly  away  towards 
the  mountains. 

"  Her  old  father  was  frantic  with  grief  and  rage.  Hastily  col- 
lecting his  neighbours  and  friends,  he  pursued  the  savages  who 
had  thus  forcibly  stolen  his  child,  and  with  the  sagacity  and  skill 
of  an  old  frontierman,  tracked  them  to  their  mountain  haunts. 
Late  one  evening,  we  came  in  sight  of  the  Comanche  encamp- 
ment, and  finding  that  we  had  not  been  discovered  by  the  In- 
dians, concluded  to  defer  the  attack  until  daybreak  on  the  next 
morning.  Secreting  ourselves  as  well  as  we  could,  we  waited 
with  impatience  for  the  hour  of  the  coming  fight.  As  soon  as  the 
first  streak  of  light  was  seen  in  the  sky,  the  Texian  war-shout 
was  raised,  and  we  rushed  down  upon  the  village. 

"  The  Comanches  turned  out  in  numbers,  and  a  fierce  battle 
began.  I  cannot  describe  to  you  the  perils  we  went  through  that 
day.  There  were  only  about  forty  of  us,  while  the  Comanches 
were  200  strong.  Notwithstanding  the  great  odds  against  us,  we 
fought  them  desperately  from  daylight  until  dark,  and  many  of 
their  greatest  warriors  fell  before  our  steady  fire.  But  it  wouldn't 
do — it  wouldn't  do — the  odds  were  too  great ;  they  overpowered 
us,  and  we  were  compelled  to  fall  back. 

"  Old  Andrew  fought  like  a  devil  that  day.  On  every  part  of 
the  field  his  voice  was  heard  cheering  his  friends  on,  and  you 
could  see  his  white  hairs  waving  in  the  wind  as  he  headed  a 
charge,  or  sometimes  fought  single-handed  with  some  big  warrior 
of  the  tribe.     Several  times  he  was  within  a  few  feet  of  the  tent 


OO  RETURN    TO    COMARGO. 

where  his  daughter  was  confined,  and  could  hear  her  voice  call- 
ing on  him  for  aid.  But  it  wouldn't  do — he  was  driven  back  with 
the  rest  of  us,  and  we  dragged  him  away  when  we  retreated. 
He  was  the  last  man  to  quit  the  fight,  and  seemed  to  have  been 
the  mark  for  every  bullet  and  arrow  that  was  shot  at  us,  yet, 
strange  to  say,  he  escaped  unhurt.  We  were  not  strong  enough 
to  whip  them,  said  the  old  Texian,  as  his  voice  grew  husky  with 
emotion,  and  we  were  compelled  to  leave  the  poor  gal  in  the 
hands  of  her  savage  enemies." 

"  Well ;  what  became  of  her,"  said  a  young  Ranger,  drawing 
his  hand  across  his  eyes. 

"  She  was  delivered  up  sometime  afterwards,  when  we  made  a 
treaty  with  the  Comanches  at  San  Antonio.  She  returned  to  her 
father's  house,  but  she  never  recovered  from  the  hardships  and 
cruelties  she  endured  at  the  hands  of  the  Indians.  She  was  al- 
ways melancholy  and  downcast.  Her  health  was  injured,  her 
spirits  gone,  and  her  heart  broken.  She  lived  only  a  few  months, 
then  drooped  and  died.  Curses  on  them  Comanche  dogs  !"  said 
the  old  Texian,  grinding  his  teeth  in  the  excitement  of  his  feel- 
ings, "  I  have  never  sent  a  bullet  through  one  of  their  infernal 
hearts  from  that  day  to  this,  without  remembering  as  I  pulled  the 
trigger,  the  fate  of  that  poor  gal." 

The  next  morning,  at  6,  a.  m.,  we  left  Rancho  Grande,  and 
nooned  it  at  at  the  Sugar  Rancho ;  where,  after  grazing  our  horses, 
we  left  at  2,  p.  m. — and  at  6,  p.  m.,  arrived  safe  back  at  our  old 
camp  at  Comargo.  The  result  of  our  reconnoissance  of  the  road 
was,  that  it  was  impracticable  for  the  movement  of  artillery,  on 
account  of  the  narrow  passages  and  deep  ravines.  During  our 
absence.  Gen.  Taylor,  with  the  whole  of  the  First  Division,  had 
arrived,  consisting  of  the  3d  and  4th  infantry,  composing  the  Third 
Brigade,  under  Col.  Garland  ;  and  the  1st  and  2d  infantry,  under 
Col.  Riley,  composing  the  Fourth  Brigade,  with  Capt.  Ridgely's 
battery  of  flying  artillery,  the  whole  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Twiggs.  We  found  our  friends  all  well,  and  being  invited  to 
spend  the  evening  with  Lieut.  D ,  a  group  of  anxious  listen- 
ers was  formed  around  us,  while  we  were  made  to  detail  the  ad- 
ventures of  the  China  Scout. 


CAMP  AT   COMARGO.  89 


CHAPTER  X. 

Camp  at  Comargo — Scout  to  Punta  Aguda — Lake  Guardado — The  Chase 
and  the  Death — Encampment  near  Mier — Captain  Duncan  in  command — 
"Jack  Everitt" — The  Fandango  at  Punta  Aguda — The  Search  for  Canalea 
and  Col.  Rameres — The  attempted  Escape  of  a  Mexican  Officer — Corporal 
Bawk  and  the  Mexican  Ladies — The  Dance — The  midnight  March. 

Comargo  had  now  become  the  most  important  point  of  military 
operations  on  the  whole  line.  Many  of  the  houses  had  been 
rebuilt,  and  the  town  presented  the  most  busy  scenes  of  acti- 
vity. The  quartermaster's  and  commissary's  departments  were 
crowded  to  overflowing,  with  people  on  all  sorts  of  business, 
making  contracts  and  reports,  receiving  orders,  &c.,  &c.  Hun- 
dreds of  Mexicans  were  daily  employed  as  labourers — and  large 
contracts  had  been  made  for  the  hire  of  pack-mules,  at  fifty 
cents  per  day.  The  camp  of  the  Regulars  had  been  removed 
farther  down  the  river  San  Juan,  on  its  banks — a  fair  level  spot 
having  been  cleared  up  for  the  purpose.  The  long  lines  of  tents 
of  the  different  regiments  of  the  divisions  presented  a  beautiful 
scene.  The  regiments  had  commenced  drilling,  and  the  batta- 
lion drills  at  evening  parade,  when  the  different  bands  beat  off, 
made  a  grand  military  display.  The  Mexicans  were  continually 
hovering  around  the  camp  of  the  Regulars — selling  fruit,  &c., 
and  offering  horses  for  sale.  It  was  often  suspected  that  many 
who  came  into  camp  on  a  pretext  to  sell  their  horses,  were  Mexi- 
can officers  in  disguise — and  such  the  fact  afterwards  proved  to 
be — for  they  had  been  detected  taking  notes  of  the  force  of  the 
different  regiments,  &c.     But  they  never  were  molested. 

Such  was  the  state  of  things,  that  it  was  difficult  to  tell  a  mocho 
from  a  greaser,  or  in  other  words,  a  soldier  from  a  friendly  Mexi- 
can. It  may  here  be  necessary  to  explain,  as  the  terms  are  fre- 
quently made  use  of,  that  mocho  is  a  low  Spanish  word  for  a  foot- 
soldier,  and  the  term  greaser  we  suppose  is  a  corruption  of  the 
word  grazier,  the  class  of  peons  or  labourers  of  the  country.  As 
the  Mexican  officers  and  soldiers  never  dressed  in  uniform,  only 
when  with  their  companies  or  regiments,  we  could  not,  of  course, 
distinguish  them  from  citizens,  which  gave  them  a  double  advan- 
tage over  us.  They  would  come  into  our  camps,  spy  out  all  our 
movements,  and  keep  their  forces  continually  advised  of  all  our 
operations.    Thus,  it  was  impossible  to  go  on  any  expedition,  or  to 

8* 


90  THE   FEtJDAL   SYSTEM  IN   MEXICO. 

undertake  any  secret  service,  without  their  knowing  it  and  taking 
methods  to  defeat  us.  By  these  means  was  the  noble  and  daring 
Capt.  Thornton  ambuscaded.  He  received  his  orders  at  6,  p.  m., 
to  ascertain  where  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  Rio  Grande,  and  at 
1,  A.  M.,  the  same  night,  an  express  arrived,  informing  the  Mexi- 
cans of  his  coming.  Thus,  too,  have  many  other  expeditions 
failed,  from  the  facihties  afforded  them  of  knowing  all  our  intended 
operations. 

To  give  a  general  idea  of  the  people  of  Mexico,  we  must  go 
back  to  the  old  feudal  times  of  Europe  ;  for  the  same  system,  with 
modifications  due  to  the  pecuHarities  of  the  country,  now  exists  in 
Mexico.  As  in  the  olden  days  of  chivalry,  when  the  vassals  and 
retainers  held  from  the  liege  lord  or  baron,  by  mihtary  or  other 
service,  and  the  serfs  or  bondsmen,  originally  slaves,  or  becoming 
so  by  indebtedness  to  the  lord,  were  bought  and  sold  with  the  land ; 
so  too  with  Mexico.  The  rancheros  who  reside  on  the  large  estates 
or  haciendas  of  the  Mexican  Dons,  answer  to  vassals  and  retainers, 
and  are  subject  at  times  to  do  military  service,  although  not  so 
severely  enjoined  upon  them  as  in  former  days.  The  peons,  who 
are  the  lowest  order  of  Mexicans,  are  the  serfs  or  slaves,  whose 
labour  belongs  to  the  owner  of  the  estate,  to  whom  they  have  be- 
come indebted,  and  who  are  generally  kept  by  their  poverty  in 
this  state  of  base  servitude.  The  third,  or  medium  class,  is  com- 
posed of  those  who  own  small  property  or  farms,  or  hold  from  the 
Don  by  socage  tenure,  paying  a  certain  rent,  and  who  also  hold 
peons,  or  serfs,  under  them.  The  fourth  class  consists  of  the 
alcaldes  or  mayors  of  the  towns,  (who  as  magistrates  hold  courts 
of  civil  and  criminal  jurisdiction,)  and  the  Dons,  or  large  land- 
holders, who  are  subject  to  the  tyranny  and  authority  of  the  mili- 
tary chieftains  or  despots.  Thus,  as  in  feudal  times,  when  the 
barons  called  upon  the  lesser  lords  and  their  vassals  to  support 
them  in  some  feud,  so  now  in  Mexico :  when  her  mihtary  chief- 
tains are  arrayed  against  each  other,  they  call  upon  the  Dons, 
(not,  it  is  true,  with  the  same  authority  which  the  barons  exercised, 
but  which  they  usurp,)  who  in  turn  call  upon  their  rancheros, 
or  retainers,  to  support  the  cause  which  they  willingly  or  unwil- 
lingly sustain. 

The  higher  classes  of  Mexicans  are  the  Creoles  of  the  country, 
and  descendants  of  Europeans  and  some  few  Americans.  The 
lower  class  are  a  mingled  race  of  the  whites  and  Indians,  called 
mestizoes,  of  the  Indian  and  negro,  of  quadroons  and  mulattoes. 
When  Mexico  was  a  colony  of  Spain,  so  numerous  were  the  de- 
grees and  shades  of  colour  of  the  populace,  that  the  king  had  the 
power  of  conferring  the  honour  of  whiteness  upon  an  individual 


RECONNOISSANCE   OF   THE    MIER  ROAD.  91 

of  any  colour,  by  a  decree  of  the  Audencia,*  which  for  ever  after 
gave  him  all  the  rank  and  privileges  of  hein^  white.  Guerrero, 
the  second  president  of  Mexico,  was  a  griffs  one  darker  than  a 
quadroon,  while  others  who  took  part  in  the  government  were  of 
the  pure  Indian  blood.     These  grades  exist  to  this  day. 

As  we  have  seen  in  the  last  chapter,  the  road  to  China  having 
been  deemed  inadvisable  as  a  line  of  march  for  our  army,  orders 
were  soon  after  issued  for  us  to  make  a  reconnoissance  of  the  road 
by  Mier,  as  far  as  Serralvo,  as  the  army  was  now  ready  for  its 
march  to  Monterey,  and  only  awaited  our  report. 

On  the  12th  of  August,  tlien,  three  days  after  our  arrival  from 
China,  a  portion  of  our  company,  with  a  detachment  of  Capt. 
Gillespie's  Rangers,  accompanied  by  Capt.  James  Duncan,  of  the 
3d  artillery,  and  Lieut.  Wood  of  the  engineer  corps,  with  a  body- 
guard of  four  men,  and  a  guide  named  Baker,  were  in  the  saddle 
for  another  scout.  At  8  o'clock,  a.  m.,  we  left  Comargo,  crossed 
the  San  Juan,  and  took  the  road  to  Mier.  The  day  was  'powerful 
hot,  the  thermometer  being  by  sensation  about  110°.  Our  horses 
suffered  much,  and  we  had  to  travel  very  slowly.  After  four 
miles,  we  passed  Rancho  Risa,  and  encamped  two  miles  beyond, 
on  the  road-side,  and  stripped  our  horses  to  graze,  while  we  sought 
the  shade  of  the  chaparral  bushes.  Here  we  stopped  till  about  5, 
p.  M.,  when  we  proceeded  on  about  three  miles,  and  encamped  be- 
side a  beautiful  lake  of  fresh  water,  called  Guardado,  one  of  the  most 
lovely  spots  we  ever  saw ;  the  fine  large  trees  on  its  banks  afforded 
a  grateful  shade  for  man  and  horse.  There  is  quite  a  large  rancho 
there,  by  the  same  name,  and  little  Mexican  boys  came  down  to 
our  camp,  bringing  us  tortillas,  eggs  and  fruit.  The  lake  is  about 
two  miles  long,  nearly  half  a  mile  wide,  and  very  deep.  Its  lim- 
pid waters  were  loo  tempting  to  be  resisted,  and  many  of  us  bathed 
in  its  refreshing  coolness.  The  opposite  shore  was  lined  with  a 
deep  verdure,  while  here  and  there  might  be  seen  a  flower  of 
richest  fragrance,  whose  perfumes  scented  the  evening  air,  as  the 
melting  rays  of  the  setting  sun  cast  a  flood  of  light  over  the  dim- 
pled surface  of  the  waters,  and  the  wild  lay  of  the  woodland  bird 
echoed  sweetly  over  the  lake,  from  the  entangled  thicket. 

After  a  hearty  supper,  we  saddled  up,  and  at  7^  p.  m.,  left  the 
lake,  taking  a  W.  S.  W.  course  through  a  wild  rugged  country. 
About  nine  o'clock  at  night,  we  crossed  a  deep  ravine,  on  the  other 
side  of  which  was  a  thick  chaparral  wood.  As  the  head  of  the 
command  turned  an  angle  in  the  road,  a  horseman  came  riding 
towards  us. 

»'  Buena  noche,"  said  our  guide  to  him. 

*  Vide  Encyc.  Amer. 


92  A    HORSE-THIEF   SHOT. 

"Buena  noche,*'  replied  the  Mexican,  without  stopping  his 
horse. 

"  Stop,'*  said  our  guide. 

"No  time  for  stopping  now,'*  said  the  Mexican,  and  pricking 
his  horse  with  his  spurs,  dashed  on. 

"  Stop  him,"  cried  McCulloch,  "  stop  him,  boys  !"  and  giving 
chase,  off  he  galloped  in  pursuit,  followed  by  several  others. 

The  Mexican  was  prevented  by  the  rear  of  the  company  from 
crossing  the  ravine,  and  turning  his  horse,  broke  into  the  thick 
chaparral  wood.  There  was  no  moon,  and  the  man's  escape  was 
favoured  by  the  darkness  of  the  wood.  It  was  rough  riding,  and 
the  low  hanging  branches  gave  them  many  a  scratch  as  they 
rushed  on  in  the  chase.  Suddenly  the  report  of  several  pistols 
were  heard — and  then  all  was  still.  Our  captain  and  the  men 
soon  after  came  back,  the  former  without  his  hat,  and  reported 
that  they  had  shot  the  man,  as  he  was  attempting  to  cross  a  bayou, 
in  making  a  circuit  round  to  gain  the  road,  and  on  rising  the 
other  side,  he  fell  from  his  horse,  which  was  seen  to  gain  the 
bank  without  its  rider.  It  M'as  afterwards  ascertained  that  the 
Mexican  was  a  notorious  horse-thief,  and  was  actually  riding  one 
of  our  own  horses,  stolen  from  us  a  few  weeks  ago,  which  ac- 
counted for  the  hurry  of  the  rider,  who  well  said,  "  it  was  no  time 
for  stopping."  The  horse  was  thus  restored  to  its  owner.  Proceed- 
ing on,  our  road  leading  over  barren  hills,  we  left  Mier  to  the  right 
three  miles  distant,  and  dismounted,  being  about  twenty-six  miles 
from  Comargo.  Here  our  Captain  was  taken  very  ill,  and  deter- 
mined to  go  to  Mier,  leaving  the  expedition  in  command  of  Captain 
Duncan.  It  was  some  time  after  midnight,  and  Capt.  Duncan  or- 
dered the  command  to  camp  until  day.  We  merely  loosened  the 
girths  of  our  saddles,  and  lay  down  on  the  bare  ground,  holding 
the  cabestros  or  halters  of  our  horses  in  our  hands  or  tied  to 
our  arms,  and  thus  snatched  a  few  hours'  sleep. 

On  the  morning  of  the  13th,  before  day  had  yet  dawned,  we 
were  again  on  the  road.  The  men  were  much  jaded  from  the 
hot  and  fatiguing  march  of  the  preceding  day,  and  having  had 
but  a  few  hours'  rest,  they  had  not  yet  recovered  from  their  drow- 
siness. Our  horses  were  quite  fresh,  however.  We  rode  silently 
along,  many  of  the  men  dozing  in  the  saddles,  until  8  o'clock, 
when  we  encamped  off  from  the  road  by  the  side  of  a  pleasant 
little  creek,  where  we  staked  out  our  horses  to  graze,  posted  sen- 
tinels on  the  road,  and  got  breakfast.  Here  we  remained  until 
4  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  weather  being  too  hot  to  travel  in  the  middle 
of  the  day.  As  we  were  ordered  to  saddle  up,  a  horseman  was 
seen  coming  down  the  road,  who  being  hailed,  rode  into  our  camp. 
It  proved  to  be  "  Jack  Everitt,"  son  of  Judge  Everitt,  of  Alabama* 


A    SURPRISE    AT   PUNTA   AGUDA.  93 

a  young  man  who  had  been  living  some  years  in  Mexico,  trading. 
He  was  dressed  hke  a  Mexican,  and  spoke  the  language  very 
well,  and  was  now  employed  in  the  quarter-master's  department 
as  interpreter  and  contractor.  He  was  so  well  known  throughout 
that  part  of  the  country,  that  he  was  generally  allowed  to  travel 
unmolested.  He  afterwards  joined  our  company,  as  the  army 
moved  on,  and  fought  with  the  Texians  at  the  storming  of  Monte- 
rey. After  several  questions,  Everitt  told  us  that  he  had  left 
Punta  Aguda  that  morning,  and  the  night  previous  he  was  at  a 
large  fandango  there,  and  another  was  to  be  given  that  night  to 
Gen.  Canales,  and  Col.  Christoval  Rameres,  who  were  expected 
to  attend  it.  It  was  immediately  determined  to  visit  the  scene  of 
festivity,  as  it  lay  on  our  route  ;  Capt.  Duncan  giving  us  a  carte 
blanche  to  attend  the  dance,  and  the  boys  brightened  up  at  the  pros- 
pect of  the  frolic.  We  pushed  on  then,  for  that  place,  thinking 
to  make  two  distinguished  prisoners.  At  about  6,  p.  m.,  we  met 
two  Mexicans  going  towards  Mier,  one  of  whom  was  Canales's 
brother.  He  carried  in  his  hand  a  common  straw  hat,  besides 
the  one  he  had  on,  and  as  we  had  nothing  but  a  cloth  cap  to  shel- 
ter ourself  from  the  sun,  we  asked  him  what  he  would  take  for 
it  ?  He  replied  he  did  not  wish  to  sell  it,  and  as  it  was  no  time 
for  making  bargains,  we  took  the  hat  from  him,  and  giving  him  a 
dollar,  bade  him  Adios.  At  dark,  the  command  was  formed  into 
single  file,  and  Capt.  Duncan  had  his  charger  saddled,  giving  the 
mule  he  had  ridden  to  one  of  his  men  to  lead.  We  now  pro- 
ceeded on  at  a  rapid  rate  until  about  10,  p.  m.,  when  we  arrived 
within  a  short  distance  of  Punta  Aguda,  and  a  halt  was  called,  for 
the  purpose  of  reconnoitering  before  going  into  the  place.  We 
were  delayed  some  twenty  minutes,  when  all  the  arrangements 
having  been  made,  and  a  guard  stationed  at  a  bridge,  which  we 
crossed  to  get  into  the  place,  we  marched  on,  sure  of  our  game. 
As  we  neared  the  town,  we  could  hear  the  music,  among  which  was 
a  bass  drum,  which  seemed  to  drown  all  other  sounds.  On  we  gal- 
loped in  order  to  take  them  by  surprise,  and  to  prevent  escape. 
We  had  now  gained  the  avenues,  where  sentinels  were  again 
posted  with  orders  to  shoot  any  man  trying  to  escape,  when  the 
dogs  set  up  such  a  barking  as  almost  deafened  our  ears ;  still  we 
were  not  discovered,  and  we  kept  on  until  we  reached  the  large 
square,  which  was  most  brilliantly  Hghted  up,  and  which  con- 
tained some  two  hundred  men  and  women,  engaged  in  dancing. 
We  immediately  surrounded  the  square,  while  their  music  kept 
up  such  a  din  that  they  had  not  even  heard  our  approach,  not- 
withstanding the  barking  of  the  dogs.  And  not  until  we  had 
completely  surrounded  them,  and  our  interpreter  cried  out  several 
times  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  Silencio!  did  we  succeed  in  attract- 


94  THE  RANGERS  AT  A  FANDANGO. 

ing  their  attention.  As  the  music  ceased,  on  looking  up,  they 
were  struck  with  terror  and  astonishment,  at  beholding  themselves 
surrounded  on  all  sides,  by  fierce  and  savage-looking  men  with 
rifles  in  their  hands,  pointing  from  every  direction  towards  them. 
The  women  shrieked  aloud,  and  ran  towards  the  houses  which 
lined  one  side  of  the  square.  We  told  them  that  the  first  man 
who  attempted  to  move  would  be  shot,  but  that  the  women 
might  go  where  they  pleased.  Canales  and  Rameres  were  then 
demanded.  But  they  protested  most  solemnly  that  they  were 
not  there,  declaring  that  the  dignitaries  had  both  left  at  sun- 
down. They  then  attempted  to  put  out  the  lights,  which  was 
prevented  by  threatening  them  with  death.  It  was  known  that 
Rameres  had  a  house  there,  and  they  were  requested  to  point 
it  out,  which  being  done,  we  were  ordered  by  Capt.  Duncan  to 
proceed  with  two  men,  to  search  it.  As  we  rode  off',  we  called 
the  attention  of  our  commander  to  a  movement  making  in  one  cor- 
ner of  the  square.  On  reaching  the  house  of  Rameres,  our 
entrance  was  strenuously  opposed  at  first  by  an  old  woman,  who, 
at  last  was  forced  to  give  way,  while  one  of  us  entered,  the  other 
two  guarding  the  door ;  a  strict  search  was  made  throughout  the 
house,  but  no  one  was  discovered.  On  returning,  we  heard  the 
report  of  two  rifles  in  quick  succession,  and  thought  that  the  dance 
had  now  indeed  opened  in  earnest.  As  we  galloped  up,  we 
found  that  two  men  had  attempted  to  make  their  escape,  and  were 
shot  at ;  killing  one,  who  proved  to  be  a  captain  of  Mexican  in- 
fantry, and  wounding  another  in  the  arm,  who  was  supposed  to 
be  a  soldier.  The  latter  was  caught  and  brought  back,  and, 
while  our  surgeon  was  occupied  in  setting  the  man's  arm,  which 
had  been  broken,  the  music  was  ordered  to  strike  up,  and  the 
young  girls  again  joined  in  the  dance,  having  assured  them  of  our 
friendship.  As  soon  as  the  dance  had  recommenced.  Corporal 
Bawk,  one  of  Duncan's  men,  a  tall,  good-looking  young  fellow, 
jumped  the  enclosure,  and  the  music  playing  to  our  astonishment  an 
old  Virginia  reel,  the  corporal  led  off"  a  very  pretty  girl,  to  the  great 
amusement  of  the  lookers  on,  surprising  the  girls  with  his  activity 
in  the  dance.  This  was  too  much  for  us,  and  as  the  reel  ended, 
they  next  struck  up  a  waltz,  and  we  followed  suit  by  jumping  the 
enclosure,  and  approaching  a  girl  of  pretty  figure  and  feature, 
who  was  hanging  languishingly  on  the  arm  of  a  well-dressed 
greaser,  we  bid  them  buenas  noches,  and  asked  the  Mexican  in 
our  best  Spanish,  if  we  might  dance  with  his  fair  partner.  The 
young  girl  gave  her  assent,  but  the  Mexican  replied  he  did  not 
understand  us,  at  the  same  time  shaking  his  fore-finger  signifi- 
cantly. We  then  asked  him  if  he  understood  Spanish,  giving 
him  an  unmistakeable  look,  and  carelessly  placing  our  hand  on  a 


MARCH    TO    SERRALVO.  95 

pistol  in  our  belt.  "  Si  Caballero,"  he  replied,  relinquishing  the 
fair  one,  who  taking-  our  arm,  we  were  soon  whirling  in  the  mazy 
dance.  A  few  others  now  joined  us,  selecting  the  fairest  for  their 
partners,  thus  letting  them  see  that  we  were  just  as  ready  to 
frolic  as  to  fight.  After  the  dance,  refreshments  were  served 
round,  consisting  of  sweet  cakes,  muscal,*  and  agua  ardiente. 

It  had  been  ascertained  that  Canales  and  Rameres  had  both 
been  there,  but  had  left  suddenly  about  dark,  without  giving  any 
notice  of  their  departure,  and  were  supposed  to  be  lurking  in  the 
neighbourhood.  They  most  certainly  had  gained  secret  infor- 
mation of  our  coming  ;  and  it  was  thought  the  brother  of  Canales 
must  have  turned  back  by  some  near  route,  and  conveyed  to  them 
the  news,  when  they  quietly  slipped  off  without  informing  the 
people  at  the  rancho,  to  conceal  their  cowardice.  It  was  now 
midnight,  and  the  surgeon  having  finished  setting  the  wounded 
man's  arm,  we  were  ordered  to  horse  ;  so,  bidding  the  fair  seno- 
ritas  buenas  noches,  much  against  our  will,  we  took  the  road  to- 
wards Serralvo.  The  men  were  evidently  disappointed  on  being 
ordered  to  march,  as  it  was  confidently  expected  that  we  would 
have  camped  for  the  night  at  Punta  Aguda.  Not  so,  however, 
with  our  captain  ;  he  well  knew  the  danger  of  our  position,  and 
that  we  were  liable  to  be  cut  ofT  or  surrounded,  should  we  tarry 
long  enough  at  one  place  for  the  enemy  to  concentrate,  or  for  in- 
formation to  be  carried  in  advance  of  us.  Thus  we  kept  on  riding 
through  the  dark  woods,  while  the  low  hanging  branches  of  the 
trees  frequently  gave  us  many  a  scratch,  and  would  occasionally 
knock  off  our  hats,  much  to  our  vexation,  and  which  forced  us  to 
keep  our  eyes  open — for  the  excitement  had  worn  off,  and  the 
men  nearly  all  felt  that  heavy  drowsiness  which  succeeds  it,  to 
say  nothing  of  the  fatigue  of  the  march. 

At  3,  A.  M.,  we  encamped  on  the  roadside,  near  a  rapid  little 
stream  of  water,  where  the  grass  was  very  fine.  Unsaddling  our 
horses,  we  took  them  to  water,  and  then  tied  them  by  their  cabes- 
tros  to  graze.  Sentinels  were  posted,  and  the  order  was  given  for 
the  men  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  for  any  emergency.  We 
threw  ourselves  upon  the  dewy  grass,  with  our  arms  lying  beside 
us,  and  although  hungry,  we  thought  only  of  gaining  an  hour  of 
sleep. 


*  A  strong  liquor  made  from  the  aloe  tree. 


96  THE   TOWN   OF   SERRALVO. 


CHAPTER  XL 

Scout  to  Serralvo — Description  of  the  Serralvo  Mountains,  and  the  Town — 
Our  Reception — Encampment  on  the  Rio  Alamo — Our  departure  for  Agua 
Lejos — Encampment — Return — Description  of  the  place — The  Alcalde — 
Paso  Isla — The  crossing — The  Story  of  "  Strabismus  Bill" — Arrival  at 
Mier — Return  to  Comargo — The  Grand  Review. 

At  the  dawn  of  day  on  the  14th,  we  were  aroused  from 
our  slumbers,  and  ordered  into  the  saddle.  We  were  always 
ready,  as  our  toilet  was  soon  made,  it  merely  consisting  of  wash- 
ing our  faces  when  the  opportunity  offered  itself.  The  soft  balmy 
clime  of  Italy  could  not  have  surpassed  the  ray  of  light  which 
first  broke  in  upon  the  morn,  as  it  met,  and  was  kissed  by  the 
sweet  breeze  that  welcomed  one  of  the  most  delightful  days  that 
ever  broke  over  a  southern  land.  The  Serralvo  mountains,  which 
we  had  long  seen  at  a  great  distance,  now  appeared  quite  close  to 
us ;  and  as  they  loomed  up  in  the  heavens,  presenting  a  dim 
bluish  colour,  they  filled  us  with  wonder  and  delight.  As  the  sun 
gradually  rose,  tinging  their  summits  with  its  golden  hues,  the 
dark  grayish  mist  lifted  and  disclosed  a  deep  rich  green,  most 
grateful  to  the  eye.  Silvery  streams,  murmuring  sweetly,  mean- 
dered along  the  road ;  on  either  side  of  which  were  seen  cattle 
quietly  grazing  ;  and  here  and  there  flowers  of  richest  hue  and 
fragrance  so  tempting,  that  we  could  not  help  dismounting  to 
pluck  them.  There  was  that  impressive  stillness  prevailing 
through  the  woods,  which  one  is  never  made  to  feel  in  any  other 
place,  and  which  was  uninterrupted,  save  by  the  occasional  carols 
of  some  bright  plumed  bird  as  it  sang  its  morning  lay. 

At  7,  A.  M.,  we  crossed  a  little  stream,  and  ascended  the  hill,  of 
rock  or  limestone,  on  which  is  situated  the  town  of  Serralvo, 
seventy-five  miles  from  Comargo.  Posting  sentinels  at  the  ave- 
nues, the  main  body  entered  the  town,  and  rode  into  the  plaza. 
Here  we  formed  into  line,  sitting  on  our  horses,  while  Capt.  Dun- 
can, with  the  interpreter,  rode  up  to  the  alcalde's  house,  and  de- 
manded the  surrender  of  the  place,  for  the  purpose  of  estabHsh- 
ing  a  military  depot ;  which  was  readily  acceded  to,  on  assuring 
them  that  individual  rights  would  be  respected.  Serralvo  is  cer- 
tainly a  most  beautiful  place,  and,  indeed,  its  site  is  a  most  roman- 
tic spot.  The  town  is  well  built  of  stone,  and  contains  about  8000 
souls.  It  has  a  neat  pretty  church,  finely  situated  near  the  river 
Alamo,  which  runs  through  the  town.  It  also  contains  a  well-built 
arsenal,  with  battlements,  and  the  gardens  were  most  delightful, 
and  filled  with  fruit-trees.  It  fies  about  eight  miles  from  the  base 
of  the  Serralvo  mountains,  the  highest  peaks  of  which  are  about 
1300  feet  high. 


THE   SERRALVO   MOUNTAINS.  97 

We  then  rode  through  the  town,  and  encamped  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  from  its  outskirts,  on  the  Rio  Alamo,  a  very  rapid  and 
bold  current,  cool  and  as  clear  as  crystal,  running  over  occasional 
rocks,  and  forming  little  falls.  Here  we  obtained  plenty  of  corn  and 
fodder  for  our  horses.  The  inhabitants  treated  us  very  kindly /or 
our  money,  and  came  into  our  camp,  selling  us  melons,  peaches,  deli- 
cious grapes,  pomegranates,  abocateSy  (a  species  of  egg  plant,)  cakes, 
milk,  viands,  &c.  After  a  most  delightful  bath  in  the  river,  we  had 
a  sumptuous  feast ;  the  alcalde  having  sent  a  basket  to  our  captain 
whose  mess  we  happened  to  be  in,  filled  with  nice  viands,  tomatoes, 
roast  kid,  with  sauce  piquant,  pies,  &c.  We  then  took  a  sound  nap, 
under  the  fine  shade  of  a  large  tree,  and  at  4^,  p.  m.,  saddled  up 
for  Agua  Lejos,  or  the  town  of  distant  waters,  which  lay  to  the 
westward  of  our  course  on  our  way  back.  Crossing  the  Rio 
Alamo,  we  rode  along  through  a  bottom  surrounded  by  very  high 
hills.  Off  to  the  left,  we  passed  a  rancho  situated  at  the  top  of 
one  of  these  hills,  and  as  we  neared  it  we  saw  two  men  riding 
close  to  the  brow  of  the  hill,  spying  out.  There  was  an  evident 
excitement  among  them,  and  we  halted,  while  the  advance  guard 
went  on  ahead  with  the  guide.  We  now  had  to  ascend  a  high 
ridge  of  hills.  It  was  very  hot,  and  the  hills  were  steep  and 
stony.  Having  gained  the  top  of  one,  we  saw  along  the  ridge  to 
the  right,  quite  a  body  of  armed  men,  whom  we  first  took  for  the 
enemy ;  but  it  was  soon  ascertained  that  it  was  our  advance 
guard,  and  that  we  had  taken  the  road  up  the  wrong  hill.  So  we 
had  to  descend  and  climb  another.  When  we  reached  the  bot- 
tom again,  we  saw  a  man  holding  a  horse  at  the  foot  of  the  hill 
of  the  rancho,  as  if  ready  for  some  one  to  make  his  escape. 
Some  supposed  that  Canales  might  be  secreted  there.  It  was  a 
most  villanous  looking  place,  and  for  its  means  of  defence,  it 
would  have  made  a  good  bandit's  haunt,  which  it  looked  more 
like  than  any  thing  else.  Our  time  was  too  precious,  however, 
to  be  wasted  on  surmises,  so  we  rode  on,  and  joined  the  advance. 
About  sundown,  we  came  to  a  large  rancho,  where  we  saw  a  two- 
story  brick  house  !  the  only  one  of  the  kind  we  saw  in  Mexico. 

At  half-past  9,  p.  m.,  we  crossed  the  river  Agua  Lejos,  on  which 
is  situated  the  town,  and  where  stands  an  old  mill  of  the  style  of 
the  sixteenth  century.  We  were  told  that  there  was  a  force  here 
of  200  troops.  On  riding  through  the  place,  however,  which  is 
very  beautiful,  no  one  impeded  our  way — and  pressing  an  old 
Mexican  into  our  service,  we  told  him  to  carry  us  to  a  corn-field, 
which  he  said  was  about  half  a  mile  off.  Taking  the  lead, 
on  he  rode,  winding  around  fences  and  lanes  for  about  two  miles, 
still  without  coming  to  any  corn-field.  The  men  were  tired  and  get- 
ting impatient,  and  thought  the  old  fellow  might  be  leading  us  into 

9 


98  THE  CROSSING   OF   PASO   ISLA. 

an  ambuscade,  or  had  some  motive  for  taking  us  such  a  round ; 
so  he  was  threatened  to  be  shot  if  he  did  not  immediately  show 
us  a  corn-field,  which  he  soon  afterwards  found,  with  a  fine  cha- 
parral fence  around  it,  and  plenty  of  good  pasturage.  Here  we 
encamped  for  the  night. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  15th,  the  men  were  ordered 
to  eat  what  they  had  for  breakfast ;  after  which,  twenty  men  were 
detailed  by  Capt.  Duncan  to  go  back  with  him  to  town ;  while 
Lieut.  Wood  was  ordered  to  proceed  on  with  the  command  to 
Paso  el  Coyote,  and  wait  for  us.  We  then  rode  back  to  town, 
and  stopped  at  the  alcalde's  house  in  the  plaza.  A  long  parley 
took  place,  which  resulted  in  his  honour  acquiescing  to  all  we 
wished.  He  was  extremely  polite,  and  sent  us  out  some  agua- 
pie,  a  kind  of  wine,  and  furnished  us  with  some  cigarritos  and 
puros.  While  thus  formed  in  the  plaza,  we  met  the  ladies 
coming  from  mass,  dressed  with  their  rebosas  and  mantellinas ; 
they  looked  very  neat,  and  dressed  with  more  taste  than  any  we 
had  yet  seen.  They  greeted  us  very  kindly  as  they  passed,  and 
then  stood  off",  on  one  side  of  the  square,  till  we  left  the  place. 
We  here  obtained  the  information,  that  we  would  not  be  able  to 
cross  a  river  at  the  Pass  without  great  difficulty ;  so,  two  men 
were  hired  to  accompany  us  with  axes  to  cut  a  way  through  the 
thickets,  and  to  fell  a  tree  across  the  river.  We  proceeded  on  to 
Paso  el  Coyote,  but  found  that  Lieut.  Wood  had  gone  to  Paso 
Isla,  so  we  kept  their  trail  until  we  arrived  at  that  place,  where 
we  found  the  command  waiting  for  us.  Here  it  was  determined 
to  cross,  though  it  was  a  very  ugly  place,  for  the  current  ran  about 
six  miles  an  hour.  A  large  tree  was  felled  across  the  river,  on 
which  we  crossed  with  our  saddles,  blankets  and  clothes  ;  and  then 
being  stripped,  we  took  our  horses  down  the  bank  and  swam  them 
over,  landing  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below.  The  sun  was  very 
hot,  and  coming  out  on  the  other  side,  we  had  to  ride  bareback 
through  a  chaparral  thicket,  back  to  the  place  where  we  had  de- 
posited our  rigging.  Of  course,  we  did  not  escape  without  many 
a  scratch  from  the  entangled  thorny  brush.  It  is  strange  what 
scenes  one  will  go  through ;  what  obstacles  and  difficuhies  over- 
come, when  forced  by  the  necessity  of  circumstances,  and  which, 
when  passed,  seem  only  as  trifles.  And  yet,  to  those  who  never 
led  a  life  of  adventure,  these  trials  seem  as  difficulties  insur- 
mountable. 

The  command  being  ordered  to  encamp — fires  were  kindled, 
and  the  different  messes  went  to  work  preparing  dinner,  which 
consisted  of  a  biscuit,  a  piece  of  broiled  bacon,  and  a  cup  of  coffee. 
About  5j  p.  M.,  we  saddled  up,  and  taking  the  road  to  Mier,  con- 
tinued on  for  twenty-five  miles,  when  we  encamped  nine  miles 


THE   ranger's   love   STORY.  99 

from  that  town,  on  a  beautiful  level  green,  near  a  thick  copse  of 
chaparral.  Captain  Duncan  here  left  the  command  in  charge  of 
Lieut.  Wood,  and  after  supper,  proceeded  on  with  the  guide  and 
his  body-guard  to  Mier,  and  Comargo,  in  order  to  report  the  result 
of  the  reconnoissance,  as  no  time  was  to  be  lost.  We  were  now 
out  of  the  woods — that  is,  we  felt  secure  from  any  surprise  or  at- 
tack, being  close  to  Mier,  which  was  garrisoned  by  Capt.  J.  R. 
Vinton's  company  of  the  artillery  battalion.  It  was  a  fine  star- 
light night,  and  the  men  were  reclining  on  their  blankets  around 
in  groups,  talking  over  the  incidents  of  our  late  scouts. 

"  Well,  give  me  the  girls  of  Punta  Aguda,  yet,"  said  one  of  a 
group,  "they  are  prettier,  and  better  dressed  than  any  I've 
seen." 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  a  young  fellow  named  Clark,  "  the 
alcalde's  daughter  at  Serralvo  is  hard  to  beat." 

"  Not  half  as  pretty  as  ikfa/tVofe,"  replied  another,  who  had  an 
obliquity  of  sight. 

"  Who  is  Matilde,  Tom,"  asked  two  or  three. 

"  Why,  the  girl  we  saw  at  Agua  Lejos,  with  the  pink  rebosa^''* 
said  Tom. 

"  Well,  she  was  as  pretty,  and  better  dressed  than  any  I've 
seen,"  said  Clark. 

"  How  did  you  find  out  her  name,  Tom  ?"  said  the  first  speaker. 

"  Why,  I  asked  her,  to  be  sure  ;  she  was  coming  from  mass, 
with  a  crowd  of  other  girls,  and  as  they  passed  us,  they  all  curte- 
sied,  and  said,  *  buenas  dias  ;'  well,  this  girl  looked  so  neat  and 
pleasant,  that  I  couldn't  help  stopping  her,  and  asking  her  name  ; 
and  when  she  told  it  to  me,  I  think  she  showed  the  prettiest  set 
of  teeth  I  ever  saw." 

"Ha,  ha,  ha — Tom  is  in  love  with  a  Mexican  girl,"  said 
Clark. 

"  Take  my  advice,  Tom,"  said  one  of  Gillespie's  Rangers, 
"  and  never  marry  a  Mexican  girl,  for  it  would  be  dangerous  for 
you,''^  giving  the  pronoun  a  mysterious  emphasis. 

"  How  so,"  said  Tom,  with  an  inquiring  look. 

"  Oh,  it's  a  long  story,"  said  the  Ranger,  "  and  then  I  don't 
like  to  tell  these  love  tales." 

"  Oh,  yes,  let's  have  it,"  said  several ;  and  Tom's  curiosity  be- 
ing excited,  his  entreaties  grew  the  more  earnest. 

"  Well,"  said  the  Ranger,  as  he  resettled  himself  on  his  blanket, 
and  knocking  the  ashes  out  of  his  pipe,  carefully  put  it  away. 
"  Well,  I  once  knew  a  fellow  who,  for  many  years,  was  engaged 
in  the  smuggling  trade  with  the  Mexicans  on  the  Pacific  coast. 
He  was  said  to  have  been  born  in  the  States.  But  it  was  hard  to 
tell.     He  had  black  eyes  and  hair,  and,  if  he  had  ever  been  white. 


100  THE   ranger's   love   STORY. 

the  sun  had  shaded  his  complexion  to  a  dark  brown.  He  spoKe 
the  lingo  perfectly  well,  and,  if  he  was  born  in  the  States,  his 
Enghsh  some  how  had  a  sort  of  a  twist  in  it.  There  were  many- 
strange  stories  told  about  him  ;  and  it  was  said  he  once  lived  in 
Italy.  No  one  ever  knew  his  real  name.  The  Mexicans  called 
him  Capitan  Bill.  He  was  about  five  feet  six  inches  in  stature, 
and  rather  delicate  than  robust ;  his  features  were  regular,  and 
nothing  about  him  very  striking,  except  that  one  of  his  eyes  had 
a  notion  never  to  leave  the  corner  nearest  his  nose."  Here  the 
group  smiled  and  turned  a  look  on  Tom. 

"  It  was  about  fifteen  years  ago,  at  the  time  of  the  colonization 
of  Texas,  when  I  was  that  many  years  old,"  continued  the  Ranger, 
"  that  Capitan  Bill  first  came  down  to  our  settlement,  and  there  some 
how  he  got  the  name  of  Strabismus  Bill^ 

"  Got  the  name  of  what  ?"  said  Tom. 

"  Strabismus  Bill,"  repeated  the  Ranger. 

"  What  did  they  call  him  that  for  ?"  said  Tom. 

"  Why,  I  beHeve  the  way  it  came  about,"  said  the  Ranger, 
"  was  that  Bill  fell  in  love  with  a  lovely  girl,  who,  at  the  same 
time,  was  being  courted  by  the  doctor  of  our  settlement.  Kate 
Young  was  counted  the  most  beautiful  girl  for  miles  around,  and, 
as  Bill  played  on  the  guitar  and  sang  Italian  songs,  he  sorter  took 
her  first.  But  the  doctor  told  her  one  day  that  Bill  had  the  stra- 
bismus, which  so  alarmed  her  that  she  would  never  see  Bill  again. 
It  was  known  all  about  that  Kate  had  kicked  Bill  on  account  of 
the  strabismus,  and  so  long  as  he  remained  about  them  parts  they 
called  him  Strabismus  Bill, 

"  Shortly  after.  Strabismus  Bill  disappeared  from  the  settlement, 
and  was  not  heard  of  for  some  years.  It  was  after  the  Texian 
war  had  closed  that  I  met  a  friend  who  told  me  the  sad  end  of 
poor  Bill.  It  appeared,  after  he  left  iis,  he  went  back  to  his  old 
trade.  Well,  it  was  while  on  his  way  from  Mazatlan,  where  he 
had  been  with  some  Mexican  smugglers,  and  were  returning  with 
a  cavallada  of  some  500  mules,  laden  with  teas  and  silks,  which 
had  been  clandestinely  landed  on  the  coast  from  the  East  Indies, 
that  he  met  with  an  incident  that  controlled  his  after-life.  They 
had  so  far  eluded  the  vigilance  of  the  excise  officers  as  to  gain 
the  interior.  So  well  did  they  know  the  geography  of  the 
country,  and  every  path  and  trail,  that,  in  case  of  an  alarm,  they 
would  all  scatter  out  in  every  direction,  so  as  to  avoid  pursuit, 
then  strike  for  the  trail  on  the  course  of  their  route,  and  thus 
all  meet  again  after  one  or  two  days  of  separation.  In  those  days 
the  smugglers  and  the  bandits  made  common  cause  of  it,  and 
afforded  each  other  protection. 

**  One  night  as  they  were  travelling  along,  they  passed  a  ran- 


101 

cho>  which  had  been  attacked  by  the  Indians,  and  all  the  people 
massacred.  On  entering  one  of  the  huts,  Bill  thought  he  heard 
a  sigh,  and,  looking  up  into  a  little  loft,  he  discovered  a  young  girl, 
who,  upon  perceiving  him,  jumped  down,  and,  clasping  him 
around  the  neck,  to  his  surprise  and  amazement,  and  amid  a 
shower  of  kisses,  greeted  him  as  her  brother  !  Notwithstanding 
Bill's  protestations  to  the  contrary,  still  clinging  to  his  neck,  she 
heeded  him  not,  and,  with  sobs  of  grief,  told  him  how  their  parents 
had  been  murdered.  Bill  continued  to  disclaim  the  relationship  ; 
but  all  he  could  do  would  not  convince  her  of  the  mistake ;  so  he 
took  her  up  on  his  horse  and  carried  her  to  his  home. 

"  A  few  days  after  their  arrival,  her  true  brother  made  his  ap- 
pearance, he  having  accidentally  stopped  at  Bill's  house  on  his 
way  home.  And,  indeed,  the  resemblance  between  the  two  was 
so  striking  and  remarkable,  that  it  was  not  strange  that  even  a 
sister  should  have  been  deceived." 

"  Why,  was  he  cross-eyed  too  ?"  said  Clark. 

"  Of  course  he  was,"  answered  the  Ranger,  "  or  how  could  he 
look  like  Bill  ?" 

"  Well,"  continued  he,  "  as  the  girl  was  very  beautiful.  Bill  fell 
in  love  with  her.  Some  months  afterwards,  it  was  ascertained 
that  she  was  the  niece  of  a  wealthy  Mexican  Don,  who,  having 
heard  of  her  misfortune,  had  written  to  her  to  come  and  live  with 
his  family  at  his  hacienda.  Bill  accompanied  her,  and  asked  her 
uncle's  permission  to  marry  her.  He  consented  ;  but  it  was  plain 
the  girl  married  more  out  of  gratitude  than  from  love.  She  never 
seemed  happy  after  the  marriage.  With  others  she  appeared  gay 
enough ;  but  in  the  presence  of  Bill  she  was  always  sad.  One 
day  it  was  discovered  that  she  had  poisoned  him." 

"  Poisoned  him  !"  said  Tom,  with  surprise  ;  "  poisoned  him ! 
what  for  ?" 

"  Why,  some  said  it  was  because  she  was  in  love  with  another ; 
but  it  was  generally  attributed  to  the  reason  that  he  was  so  infernal 
ugly,  and  always  looked  cross  at  her."  A  loud  laugh  burst  from 
the  crowd,  while  Tom  rolled  himself  up  in  his  blanket,  and  was 
not  heard  of  any  more  until  next  morning. 

Early  on  the  day  of  the  16th  we  were  on  the  road  to  Mier,  where 
we  arrived  at  7,  a.  m.  We  were  warmly  greeted  by  Capt.  McCul- 
loch,  who  had  nearly  recovered  from  his  illness,  as  well  as  by  the 
officers  in  command  of  the  town.  The  company  encamped  under 
some  large  trees,  near  a  beautiful  little  stream  called  the  Alcantro, 
a  branch  of  the  Rio  Grande,  which  rippled  by  the  town.  Here 
the  men  got  breakfast,  and  we  were  plenti'fully  supplied  with  fruit 
by  the  inhabitants.  After  breakfast,  we  visited  the  churches, 
plaza,  prison,  and  other  public  buildings  ;  also,  the  house  of  Don 

9* 


102      REVIEW  OF  THE  TROOPS  BY  GEN.  TAYLOR. 

Domingo  Moricio,  celebrated  for  being  one  of  the  houses  in  which 
the  Texians  made  such  a  gallant  defence.  The  house  bore  evi- 
dent signs  of  the  attack  from  the  many  balls  and  bullet  holes. 
One  of  our  men,  who  was  in  this  very  house  during  the  battle, 
showed  us  an  oven  in  the  yard,  the  iron  door  of  which  was  riddled 
with  bullet  holes — the  Mexicans  having  thought  at  the  time  that 
the  Texians  had  sought  shelter  therein.  We  were  also  shown 
the  walls  which  the  Mexicans  attempted  to  scale,  but  who  were 
driven  back  with  rocks  and  stones.  Don  Domingo,  who  is  an 
Italian,  keeps  a  very  good  tavern  here,  and  has  three  very  pretty 
daughters,  the  eldest  of  whom,  Juanita,  spoke  tolerably  good  Eng- 
lish. Don  Domingo  had  lived  for  many  years  in  the  country,  and 
had  married  a  Mexican  woman ;  but  there  was  something  in  his 
children  far  above  the  common  Mexican  girls — a  something  which 
showed  blood.  Mier  is  quite  a  manufacturing  town,  and  in  almost 
every  house,  you  see  its  inmates  occupied  with  the  loom  or  spin- 
ning wheel.  They  make  a  great  number  of  fine  blankets  and 
other  articles.  There  were  also  several  large  stores  there. 
Capt.  Vinton  kindly  sent  us  an  invitation  to  dine,  and  we  were 
introduced  to  the  officers  of  his  mess,  with  whom  we  spent  a  very 
pleasant  evening. 

.  At  dayhght,  on  the  17th,  we  left  for  Comargo.  At  10,  a.  m.,  we 
reached  Lake  Guardado,  where  we  had  a  fine  bath,  and  made 
breakfast ;  at  3,  p.  m.,  left  our  encampment,  and  continued  on  the 
road  to  Comargo,  where  we  arrived  at  6,  p.  m.  On  the  road  we 
took  two  prisoners,  who  had  secreted  their  arms  in  the  chaparral ; 
but,  as  the  poor  devils  swore  they  were  only  peons,  or  shepherds, 
we  let  them  go,  although  it  looked  suspicious.  We  arrived  just  in 
time  to  witness  a  grand  dress-parade  and  review  of  the  regular 
troops  by  Gen.  Taylor.  It  was  a  fine  evening ;  the  departing  sun 
had  lost  its  fiery  rays,  a  pleasant  breeze  was  floating  through  the 
air,  and  on  the  beautiful  parade  ground,  about  a  mile  below  the 
town,  there  stood  nearly  4000  men  in  solid  column,  with  bright 
arms  and  glistening  bayonets  extending  throughout  the  long  lines. 
The  scene  was  most  beautiful  indeed,  and  the  execution  of  the 
different  evolutions  which  they  performed  excited  the  admiration 
of  all. 

"  'Twere  worth  ten  years  of  peaceful  life 
One  glance  at  their  array !" 

There  were  six  regiments  of  infantry,  the  artillery  battalion, 
acting  as  Hght  infantry,  and  Duncan's  and  Bragg's  batteries  of 
horse  artillery.  It  was  a  grand  and  imposing  sight.  Gen.  Tay- 
lor was  saluted  by  the  batteries  of  artillery,  and  after  the  review, 
preparatory  to  the  dismissal  of  the  parade,  the  officers  and  non- 


CAMP   AT   COMARGO.  103 

commissioned  officers  marched  to  the  front,  where  stood  the  com- 
manding officers  of  the  regiments,  mounted  on  their  steeds  ;  while 
still  farther  off,  was  seen  Gen.  Taylor  and  his  staff,  mounted  on 
their  war-horses.  As  the  officers  saluted,  the  music  beat  off  in 
soul-stirring  airs,  and  banners  waved  gracefully  upon  the  breeze ; 
when,  being  dismissed,  the  different  regiments  repaired  to  their 
respective  camps.  This  was  the  largest  parade  that  had  ever 
taken  place  since  the  last  war. 

The  night  was  spent  with  our  friends,  who  rejoiced  at  our  re- 
turn, and  after  we  had  finished  our  tale  of  the  events  of  the  scout, 
many  a  song  and  story  went  the  rounds,  and  it  was  long  after 
midnight  before  we  betook  ourselves  to  rest. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Camp  at  Comargo — Movement  of  the  Army — Guerrero — A  Mexican  Funeral — 

San  Fernando — Col.  Jack  Hays — His  Character — The  Battles  of  Pierde- 

nales  and  the  Enchanted  Rock — Anecdote — Departure  for  Serralvo — Camp 

tr  at  Mier — The  Lipan  Chief,  "Flacco" — Camp  at  Punta  Aguda — Arrival  at 

=  Serralvo — Reconnoissance  to  Carrisito — Scout  to  Papagayo — Incidents — Our 

Return  to  Serralvo. 

Immediately  on  the  arrival  of  Capt.  Duncan,  who  reported 
favourably  of  the  military  route  by  Serralvo,  for  the  movement  of 
the  army  to  Monterey,  orders  were  issued  for  General  Worth  to 
proceed  with  the  First  Brigade  of  his  division,  consisting  of  the 
8th  Infantry  and  artillery  battalion,  to  that  place ;  acting  at  the 
same  time  as  an  escort  to  some  five  hundred  pack-mules,  laden 
with  subsistence  stores.  Comargo  was  now  the  most  busy  town 
in  all  Mexico  ;  all  was  hurry,  bustle,  and  confusion.  In  fact,  the 
place  was  in  a  perfect  whirl  of  activity.  Preparations  were 
making  for  the  whole  army  to  move  onward.  The  streets  were 
crowded  with  teams  and  soldiers.  Steamboats  were  daily  arriving 
and  departing,  the  ferry-boats  were  kept  constantly  crossing  the 
San  Juan,  as  well  as  mules  and  horses  swimming  the  same  ;  and 
officers  and  soldiers  were  packing  up,  as  all  unnecessary  bag- 
gage was  to  be  left  behind ;  in  short,  every  preparation  was 
making  for  a  long  march. 

On  the  19th  of  August,  the  First  Brigade  of  the  Second  Division 
crossed  the  river,  and  took  up  its  Hne  of  march.  They  had  not 
proceeded  far,  however,  before  a  stampede  took  place  among  the 
mules  ;  an  account  of  which  we  take  from  a  letter  of  Mr.  Haile, 
the  well-known  correspondent  of  the  "  Picayune." 

"  There  were  some  fifteen  hundred  pack-mules  on  the  other 
side,  ready  to  carry  up  provisions  to  Serralvo.     About  five  hun- 


104  MOVEMENT   OF   THE   ARMY. 

dred  of  these  were  making  a  start  with  the  artillery  battalion, 
which  went  ahead,  when  the  camp-kettles,  which  were  not  pro- 
perly packed,  began  to  rattle,  and  the  mules  commenced  kicking 
up.  The  soldiers  laughed :  mules  do  not  Hke  to  be  laughed  at, 
so  they  kicked  the  harder,  and  tried  to  run  away.  The  scene 
was  so  ludicrous  that  the  soldiers  could  not  restrain  their  mirth, 
and  they  burst  forth  in  something  Hke  a  shout.  This  was  more 
than  the  mules  would  bear,  and  so  they  bolted  in  a  regular  stam' 
pede  style,  bounding  over  the  musquit  shrubs,  in  every  direc- 
tion, throwing  their  burdens  of  flour  and  pork  high  into  the 
air,  and  kicking  them  as  they  came  down.  The  next  morn- 
ing, the  thin  chaparral  in  which  the  stampede  came  off  was  loaded 
with  a  strange  variety  of  fruit.  Camp-kettles  hung  from  the 
limbs,  looking  as  if  they  were  of  natural  growth ;  bags  of  flour 
lay  in  the  forks,  resembling  large  birds'  nests,  and  the  ground 
was  strewn  with  '  plunder '  of  all  kinds,  looking  as  if  a  thousand 
Yankee  pedlars  had  been  chased  through  the  bushes  by  an  army 
of  Mexican  robbers,  and  had  thrown  away  their  goods  to  facili- 
tate their  escape.  The  Mexican  muleteers,  assisted  by  the  sol- 
diers, soon  put.  things  to  rights,  and  the  train  went  on,  the  nose 
of  each  mule  being  tied  to  the  tail  of  his  predecessor.  They  cut 
a  most  ludicrous  spectacle,  a  long  train  of  mules,  thus  tied,  but  it 
effectually  put  a  stop  to  their  kicking  and  running  away." 

During  our  absence  on  the  last  scout,  a  deputation  of  Mexican 
citizens  came  in  from  Guerrero,  and  tendered  to  Gen.  Taylor  a 
surrender  of  the  town,  which  is  situated  on  the  Rio  Grande,  about 
forty  miles  from  Comargo,  and  desired  him  to  garrison  the  place, 
but  the  general  declined  so  doing.  They  represented  that  in  the 
vicinity  there  were  fine  mines  of  coal,  and  as  it  was  an  article 
much  wanted  at  that  time.  Cols.  Kinney  and  Peyton  went  up  to 
examine  its  quahty,  and  found  it  very  excellent,  but  there  were 
no  means  for  working  the  mines  or  for  transportation. 

On  our  return,  we  found  that  the  old  tent,  our  former  quarters, 
had  been  taken  from  us.  It  was  no  great  loss,  however,  as  it 
was  a  miserable  concern,  and  our  mess  took  up  quarters  under 
the  roof  of  a  ruined  hut,  situated  on  one  side  of  a  lane,  opposite 
to  which  there  resided  a  Mexican  family.  In  the  rear  of  our  hut 
were  the  ruins  of  a  once  beautiful  garden.  It  still  contained  a 
fine  grove  of  orange  trees,  under  the  green  foliage  of  which  we 
spread  our  blankets,  to  shelter  us.  from  the  heavy  dews  of  the 
night.  Although  the  Texas  Rangers  performed  harder  service, 
and,  from  the  nature  of  their  duty  as  scouts,  were  subjected  to 
greater  hardships  and  privations  than  any  other  corps  of  the  army, 
yet  they  were  always  ready  and  willing,  and  never  murmured  at 
their  fare.     Our  horses  were  frequently  put  upon  half  rations  of 


MEXICAN   FUNERAL.  105 

corn,  and  the  men  were  obliged  to  buy  grass  from  the  Mexicans, 
at  ten  cents  a  bundle,  which  came  out  of  our  own  pockets,  as  we 
were  not  permitted  to  graze  our  horses  in  their  enclosures,  and 
the  grass  on  the  road-side  was  nearly  consumed. 

One  morning,  just  as  we  had  finished  our  breakfast,  our  atten- 
tion was  attracted  by  the  loud  shrieks  of  our  neighbours,  and  on 
looking  around,  we  perceived  several  women  running  out  from 
the  jacal  opposite,  wringing  their  hands,  puUing  their  hair,  and 
screaming  and  waihng  with  the  most  heart-rending  bursts  of  grief. 
We  soon  learned  that  their  mother,  a  very  old  woman,  had  just 
died,  which  was  the  cause  of  their  lament.  This  shrieking  and 
howhng  was  kept  up  all  day,  until  the  afternoon,  when  the  fune- 
ral took  place.  There  was  no  coffin;  the  corpse  was  merely 
wrapped  in  a  shroud,  and  placed  on  a  bier,  with  a  cloth  thrown 
over  it.  The  priest,  dressed  in  his  robes,  with  his  shorn  head 
exposed  to  the  sun,  attended  by  a  little  boy  on  each  side,  followed 
the  bier.  Then  came  two  Mexicans,  wrapped  in  large  Spanish 
cloaks,  with  black,  broad-brimmed  sombreros,  who  acted  as  mourn- 
ers, followed  by  the  friends  of  the  deceased.  The  procession 
moved  to  the  church,  where  the  priest  said  mass  over  the  corpse, 
when  they  proceeded  to  the  place  of  burial.  At  night,  another 
wail  of  lament  burst  forth,  which  exceeded  the  first, — and  this  was 
kept  up,  night  and  morning,  for  some  two  or  three  days.  They 
sometimes  would  break  out  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  and  awaken 
the  whole  camp  around,  with  their  piercing  screams.  It  cer- 
tainly exceeded  all  the  outward  "shows  of  grief"  that  we  ever  saw. 

On  the  21st,  Gen.  Twiggs  arrived  with  the  2d  Dragoons,  and 
Capts.  Ridgely  and  Taylor's  batteries  of  hght  artillery ;  also. 
Major  Gen.  Butler,  and  Brig.  Gens.  Gluitman  and  Hamer,  and 
other  officers  of  the  volunteers.  Our  time  for  which  we  had  been 
mustered  into  the  service,  three  months,  had  now  expired,  and 
the  men  were  paid  off'  accordingly.  Many  of  the  company,  be- 
lieving that  there  was  to  be  no  more  fighting,  were  anxious  to 
return  to  their  homes  and  families,  who,  living  on  the  frontier  of 
Texas,  were  left  in  a  manner  unprotected ;  besides  others  who 
had  become  dissatisfied,  left  the  company  and  refused  to  re-enhst. 

On  the  25th,  the  Second  Brigade  of  the  Second  Division,  the  5th 
and  7th  Infantry,  crossed  the  San  Juan,  on  their  way  to  Serralvo. 
On  the  26th,  Col.  Jack  Hays,  with  an  escort  of  twenty  men,  arrived 
from  China,  where  he  had  left  his  regiment  encamped.  The  regi- 
ment had  been  out  on  a  long  scout,  ever  since  it  left  Matamoras, 
and  passed  through  San  Fernando,  on  its  way  to  China. 

For  a  description  of  the  town  of  San  Fernando,  and  the  follow- 
ing incidents,  we  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Lumsden,  of  the  "  Pica- 
yune," whose  letter  we  copy  entire : 


106  COLONEL  HAYS   AT   SAN   FERNANDO. 

San  Fernando,  Mexico,  Aug.  15,  1846. 

"  Dear  Friends, — As  you  perceive,  I  am  in  San  Fernando,  a 
pretty  little  town  of  some  three  thousand  inhabitants,  situated  in  a 
hilly,  if  not  mountainous,  district,  upon  the  banks  of  a  deep  and 
swift  running  river,  bearing  the  name  by  which  the  town  is 
called.  It  is  distant  from  Matamoras  ninety  miles,  in  a  south- 
westerly direction. 

"  Col.  Hays's  regiment  reached  this  place  at  an  early  hour  on 
the  morning  of  the  13th,  and  found  every  thing  quiet.  A  small 
number  of  Mexican  troops  who  were  quartered  here,  left  the  day 
before  we  arrived,  knowing  the  approach  of  the  regiment.  When 
Col.  Hays  was  within  two  leagues  of  San  Fernando  he  was  met 
by  three  messengers,  bearing  a  communication  from  the  authori- 
ties of  the  place,  informing  him  that  there  would  be  no  opposition 
to  his  entrance  into  the  town,  and  begging  that  the  property  of  the 
citizens  might  not  be  molested,  &c.  The  colonel  passed  quietly 
through  the  western  skirts  of  the  town,  and  made  his  encampment 
about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  off.  After  arranging  the  camp,  he 
went  into  the  town  and  had  an  interview  with  the  alcalde,  deliver- 
ing a  proclamation  from  Gen.  Taylor,  and  teUing  the  official  that 
his  intention  was  not  to  allow  the  citizens  or  their  property  to  be 
disturbed  in  any  manner  ;  that  he  came  not  to  make  war  against 
the  citizen,  but  only  against  the  soldier.  The  '  talk'  of  the  colonel, 
through  an  interpreter,  seemed  to  give  infinite  satisfaction  to  a 
crowd  of  persons  who  looked  on  and  listened,  apparently  as  much 
interested  as  if  it  were  a  case  of  life  and  death  to  them,  and  no 
doubt  their  fears  had  pictured  it  as  being  one.  All  business  was 
suspended  when  the  regiment  arrived,  the  doors  were  nearly  all 
closed,  and  one  could  only  get  an  occasional  glimpse  at  the  in- 
habitants through  the  bars  of  their  windows. 

"  On  the  night  previous  to  our  entrance  into  San  Fernando,  the 
regiment  encamped  one  league  from  the  town,  and  the  picket- 
guard  was  thrown  as  far  forward  as  the  borders  of  the  place. 
Just  before  day,  a  man,  armed  and  on  horseback,  rode  into  the 
line  of  the  guard,  moving  cautiously  towards  the  camp  of  Col. 
Hays.  He  was  hailed  repeatedly,  but  made  no  answer.  An 
attempt  was  made  by  two  of  the  guard  to  arrest  him,  but  he  put 
spurs  to  his  horse  and  dashed  away.  The  guard  fired  one  shot  at 
the  horse  and  another  at  the  rider ;  the  horse  fell  dead,  being  shot 
through  the  neck,  and  it  is  beheved  the  rider  fared  no  better.  A 
sword,  and  saddle  and  bridle,  were  the  trophies  of  the  exploit. 
There  seems  to  be  no  doubt  that  the  man  was  one  of  the  troops 
who  left  San  Fernando  the  day  before  our  arrival.  When  the 
two  shots  were  fired,  the  guard  heard  the  sound  of  horses'  feet, 
and  it  is  probable  that  a  detachment  had  been  sent  back  from  the 


QUARTERS  AT    DON    RAMOn's.  1G7 

Mexicans  to  take  a  peep  at  the  Rangers,  and  to  report  proceed- 
ings. But  they  didn't  catch  Hays's  men  napping,  nor  will  they 
be  apt  to,  let  them  try  it  when  they  may. 

"  The  regiment  will  take  up  the  hne  of  march  again  to-morrow, 
and  move  for  a  town  called  China,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  from  this  place.  The  chances  for  a  fight  do  not  seem  so 
favourable  now  as  were  thought.  Col.  Hays  cannot  hear  of  any 
force  that  he  can  meet,  and  it  is  the  impression  in  the  regiment 
that  the  Mexicans  will  not  make  a  stand  this  side  of  Monterey. 
This,  however,  is  not  certain,  and  something  may  yet  turn  up  a 
skirmish,  and  give  the  colonel  and  his  *  boys'  a  chance.  China 
lies  between  Comargo  and  Monterey,  and  at  China,  or  the  latter 
place,  the  regiment  will  probably  join  the  main  body  of  the  army. 
This,  however,  will  depend  upon  the  communications  between 
Col.  Hays  and  Gen.  Taylor.  Further  than  this  I  cannot  furnish 
you  with  any  army  news.  What  they  are  doing  on  the  Rio 
Grande,  or  in  other  quarters,  I  know  nothing  of. 

"  I  have  been  fortunate  enough  to  be  placed  in  a  mess  with 
four  gentlemen  from  your  city — Messrs.  Foucher  and  Musson, 
former  aids  to  Gen.  Smith,  Mr.  Trudeau,  quartermaster  of  the 
Louisiana  brigade  before  its  disbandment,  and  Mr.  Theodore 
Lewis,  brother  of  your  popular  sheriff.  While  here.  Col.  Hays 
has  kindly  permitted  us  to  make  our  quarters  in  the  town.  The 
transition  from  the  camp  life  to  our  present  situation  is  most 
agreeable,  and  seems  more  like  a  dream  than  reality.  We  are 
staying  with  the  family  of  Sefior  Don  Ramon  de  la  Gerza  Flores,* 
occupying  a  splendid  mansion,  where  we  are  most  politely  attended 
to  by  our  host  and  his  lady.  'Situated  as  I  am,'  it  is  indeed  diffi- 
cult to  imagine  that  we  are  in  an  enemy's  country.  Senor  Don 
Ramon,  &c.,  &c.,  is  immensely  rich,  and  lives  in' the  finest  style. 
And  here  your  humble  servant  and  his  messmates  are  comforta- 
bly stored  away,  each  of  us  with  a  separate  bed,  servants  to 
attend  us,  and  '  living  in  clover,'  as  if  there  were  no  war  between 
the  country  of  our  host  and  our  own  government.  At  night  we 
are  treated  to  sweet  music,  struck  from  the  trembling  chords  of 
the  guitar  and  harp  by  the  delicate  and  tapering  fingers  of  a  fair 
senorita,  while  we  sit  quietly  and  puff  our  cigaritos  in  the  cool- 
ing breeze.  Is  it  not  enough  to  make  one  feel  at  home  ?  But 
this  state  of  things  is  not  to  last  long— to-morrow  'the  jig's  up,' 
im^  ^  sic  transit  gloria.'* 

"  The  banks  of  the  river  at  this  place  are  of  immense  height — 
probably  one  hundred  feet — and  the  view  afforded  from  their 

*  It  is  not  a  little  singular  that  afterwards  we  picked  up  the  visiting  card 
of  Serior  Don  Ramon  in  the  streets'of  Monterey,  which  we  kept  for  its  novelty. 
See  page  221,  where  this  is  referrfed  to. 


l68  COLONEL  HAYS. 

-  bluffs  is  truly  picturesque.     Look  in  whatever  direction  you  may, 

''and  you  see  the  distant  hills  all  covered  with  the  green  chaparral 

and  various  coloured  shrubbery,  the  winding  mountain  road,  and 

the  dashing,  rushing  waters  of  the  Rio  San  Fernando.     Beneath 

you,  sporting  in  the  limpid  element,  you  behold  men  and  boys, 

and  women  with  their  chiquitos — as  the  babies  are  called — all 

*  splashing  and  swimming  about  like  so  many  tritons,  mermaids 

*'and  little  minnows.     This  last  sight  is  one  which  Americans  are 

'Hot  accustomed  to  at  home,  but  here  it  appears  to  be  as  common  a 

matter  of  fact  as  going  to  church. 

"  By-the-by,  talking  of  going  to  church,  reminds  me — if  the  noise 
does  not — that  the  bells  are  ringing  a  merry  peel.  There  is 
something  very  interesting  to  take  place,  and  I'll  just  step  in  and 
see  the  ceremony.     So  adieu." 

We  had  heard  so  much  of  Col.  Hays,  that  we  were  anxious  to 
"be  introduced  to  the  commander  of  our  regiment.  The  quarters 
of  Lieut.  Forbes  Britton,  commissary  of  subsistence,  was  at  that 
time  the  general  rendezvous  of  all  the  officers.  And  go  when 
you  would  to  his  quarters,  from  his  generous  and  hospitable  feel- 
ings, all  were  sure  to  meet  with  a  kind  reception.  On  this  occa- 
sion, as  we  entered  Lieut.  Britton's  quarters,  we  saw  a  group  of 
-^gentlemen  sitting  around,  among  whom  were  Gen.  Lamar,  Gov. 
/•Henderson,  Gen.  Cazeno,  and  Gen.  McCloud,  all  distinguished 
-'men  of  Texas,  whose  names  are  enrolled  on  the  page  of  its  his- 
tory. As  we  cast  our  eye  around  the  group,  we  tried  to  single 
out  the  celebrated  partisan  chief,  and  we  were  much  surprised 
when  we  were  presented  to  a  dehcate  looking  young  man,  of  about 
five  feet  eight  inches  in  stature,  and  told  that  he  was  our  colonel. 
He  was  dressed  very  plainly,  and  wore  a  thin  jacket,  with  the 
usual  Texian  hat,  broad  brimmed  with  a  round  top,  and  loose  open 
collar,  with  a  black  handkerchief  tied  negligently  around  his  neck. 
He  has  dark  brown  hair,  and  a  large  and  brilliant  hazel  eye, 
which  is  restless  in  conversation,  and  speaks  a  language  of  its 
own  not  to  be  mistaken,  with  very  prominent  and  heavy  arched 
eyebrows.  His  broad,  deep  forehead  is  well  developed ;  he  has  a 
n  Roman  nose,  with  a  finely  curved  nostril ;  a  large  mouth,  with  the 
corners  tending  downwards  ;  a  short  upper  lip,  while  the  under 
one  projects  slightly,  indicative  of  great  firmness  and  determina- 
tion. He  is  naturally  of  a  fair  complexion,  but  from  long  expo- 
sure on  the  frontier,  has  become  dark  and  weather-beaten.  He 
has  rather  a  thoughtful  and  care-worn  expression,  from  the  con- 
stant exercise  of  his  faculties ;  and  his  long  acquaintance  with 
dangers  and  difficulties,  and  the  responsibilities  of  a  commander, 
have  given  him  an  habitual  frown  when  his  features  are  in  repose. 
He  wears  no  whiskers,  which  gives  him  a  still  more  youthful  ap- 


Colonel  Jack  Hayes,  from  a  Daguerreotype  by  Noeselle, 
New  Orleans. — p.  108. 


EXPLOITS   OF  COLONEL   HAYS.  109 

pearance,  and  his  manners  are  bland  and  very  prepossessing,  from 
his  extreme  modesty.  Col.  John  Coffee  Hays  was  born  in  Wilson 
county,  Tennessee,  and  was  named  after  the  gallant  Gen.  Coffee 
who  commanded  a  brigade  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  He  is 
now  about  twenty-nine  years  of  age.  In  1837,  when  only  nine- 
teen, he  emigrated  to  San  Antonio,  Texas,  as  a  surveyor,  and  was 
employed  on  the  frontier  in  surveying  lands.  His  long  life  on  the 
■frontier  has  given  him  a  hardy  and  iron  constitution,  and  there  are 
few  men  more  able  to  stand  hardships  and  privation  than  Col. 
Hays.  His  extraordinary  talent  as  a  commander  early  developed 
itself,  and  he  was  chosen  captain  of  a  company  on  several  expe- 
ditions against  the  Indians,  in  which  he  was  very  successful.  His 
reputation  as  a  warrior  rose  so  rapidly,  that  the  Texian  Congress 
made  him  captain  of  a  spy  company  ;  and  in  1840,  or  thereabout, 
he  was  made  commander  of  the  frontier,  with  the  rank  of  major. 

Were  an  account  of  the  Indian  fights,  skirmishes,  and  adven- 
tures of  Col.  Hays  to  be  given  to  the  world,  it  would  fill  a  volume, 
and  the  work  would  be  looked  upon  rather  as  the  effusion  of  a  fer- 
tile imagination,  consisting  of  legendary  tales,  and  the  adventures 
of  some  fictitious  knight-errant,  than  to  be  the  faithful  account  of 
the  achievements  of  a  man,  living  and  moving  among  us,  and  that, 
too,  comparatively  unknown.  But  that  "truth  is  stranger  than 
fiction,"  is  exemplified  daily;  and  we  are  almost  inclined  to  be- 
lieve, that  there  are  but  few  things  which  exist  in  the  imagination 
of  man,  that  could  not,  with  the  proper  spirit,  perseverance,  and 
determination,  be  reduced  to  living  reahty.  In  order  to  give  to 
our  readers  some  idea  of  the  character  and  bold  daring  of  this 
border  chief,  and  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  both 
friend  and  foe,  we  must  beg  leave  here  to  relate  a  few  of  his  ex- 
ploits. 

It  was  some  time  in  the  month  of  July,  1844,  that  he  was  en- 
gaged in  one  of  the  most  remarkable  Indian  fights  perhaps  on 
,  record.  Remarkable,  not  for  the  numbers  engaged,  nor  the  dura- 
tion of  the  conflict,  but  from  the  fearful  odds  against  the  Rangers. 
At  the  time  we  speak  of,  Hays  was  surrounded  by  as  gallant  a 
little  band  of  noble  and  brave  men,  numbering  only  fourteen,  as 
ever  fought  for  the  liberty  of  any  land.  Among  this  Spartan  band 
were  the  names  of  a  Gillespie,  a  Walker,  and  a  Chevalier,  whose 
noble  deeds  have  since  made  them  known  to  the  world.  On  this 
occasion.  Hays  had  gone  out  with  his  men  some  eighty  miles  from 
San  Antonio,  towards  the  river  Pierdenales,  for  the  purpose  of 
ascertaining  the  position  of  the  Indians,  and  to  watch  their  move- 
ments. On  arriving  near  the  river,  they  discovered  some  ten  or 
fifteen  Comanche  warriors,  well  mounted,  who  immediately  made 
demonstrations  of  fight.     As  the  Rangers  advanced  upon  them, 

10 


110  EXPLOITS    OF    COLONEL    HAYS. 

however,  they  would  retreat,  and  thus  endeavoured  to  lead  the 
Texians  towards  a  ridge  of  thick  undergrowth.  But  Hays  was 
too  well  acquainted  with  the  Indian  character  to  be  caught  by  their 
snares  ;  and  he  immediately  judged  by  their  manoeuvering,  that 
an  ambuscade  had  been  laid  for  him,  and  with  difficulty  restrained 
the  impetuosity  of  his  "  boys"  from  advancing  to  the  attack.  He 
then  marched  around  the  copse,  where  he  supposed  the  Indians 
to  be  concealed,  and  drew  up  on  another  ridge,  separated  from 
their  position,  by  a  deep  ravine.  He  had  occupied  this  situation 
but  a  short  time,  when  the  Indians  discovered  who  he  was,  and 
knowing  their  man,  gave  up  the  hope  of  catching  him  by  strata- 
gem. The  Indians  then  showed  themselves  to  the  number  of 
seventy-five,  and  challenged  him  to  the  contest.  Hays  accepted 
the  challenge,  and  signified  to  them  that  he  would  meet  them,  and 
immediately  started  down  the  hill  with  his  men,  towards  the  In- 
dians, moving  at  the  same  time  in  the  slowest  possible  pace,  until 
reaching  the  bottom  of  the  ravine,  where  he  was  hid  from  the  view 
of  the  Indians,  by  the  brow  of  the  hill  upon  which  they  were 
formed.  Then  turning  at  full  speed  down  the  ravine,  followed  by 
his  little  troop,  he  turned  the  point  of  the  ridge,  came  up  in  the 
rear  of  the  enemy,  and  charged  their  column,  when  every  eye 
of  the  Indian  phalanx  was  looking  in  momentary  expectation  of 
seeing  him  rise  the  hill  in  their  front !  His  first  fire  upon  them, 
with  short  rifles,  which  being  deadly,  threw  them  into  utter  con- 
fusion. The  yells,  imprecations,  and  war-whoops  that  filled  the 
air  after  the  report  of  the  rifles,  would  have  blanched  many  a 
cheek  as  it  echoed  wildly  over  the  plain.  But  there  stood  Hays 
and  his  gallant  men  as  firm  and  undaunted  as  the  rock.  The  In- 
dians seeing  their  great  superiority  in  numbers,  soon  rallied,  when 
the  Ranger  ordered  his  men  to  threw  down  their  rifles,  and  pre- 
pare with  their  five-shooters  to  receive  the  charge  of  the  enemy. 
In  order  to  resist  attack  on  all  sides,  as  the  Indians  were  surround- 
ing them,  Hays  formed  his  men  in  a  circle,  fronting  outwards, 
being  still  mounted  on  their  horses,  and  for  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes  maintained  that  position,  never  firing  a  shot  until  the  In- 
dians came  within  the  length  of  their  lances  of  them.  Their  aim 
was  sure,  and  every  fire  brought  down  a  warrior.  Some  twenty- 
one  of  the  red  men  were  killed  on  that  spot,  before  they  desisted, 
and  then  the  Rangers,  changing  their  ground,  charged  them  in 
turn.  The  fight  lasted  for  nearly  an  hour,  the  two  parties  alter- 
nately charging  each  other.  By  this  time  the  Texians  had  ex- 
hausted the  loads  in  their  five-shooting  pistols,  and  the  chief  was 
again  rallying  his  warriors  for  one  more  desperate  struggle. 

Hays's  numbers  were  now  reduced,  and  the  crisis  was  an  awful 
one.    He  saw  that  their  only  salvation  was  to  kill  the  Indian  chief, 


EXPLOITS   OF   COLONEL    HAYS.  Ill 

and  demanded  of  his  men,  if  any  one  had  a  charge  left.  The 
lamented  Capt.  Gillespie  replied  that  he  had  reserved  his  rifle. 

"Dismount,  then,"  said  Hays,  "and  make  sure  work  of  that 
chief." 

Although  speared  through  the  body,  the  gallant  Gillespie  dis- 
mounted, and  at  the  crack  of  his  rifle,  the  chief  fell  headlong  from 
his  horse.  Panic  struck,  the  Indians  fled  in  dismay,  pursued  by 
the  Texians,  who  gained  a  complete  victory.  On  the  battle-field 
of  Pierdenales  lay  some  thirty  odd  of  their  dead ;  how  many  were 
wounded,  was  not  known.  On  the  part  of  the  Rangers,  two  were 
killed,  and  some  four  or  five  wounded,  among  whom  were  Gilles- 
pie and  Walker,  since  celebrated  in  American  history,  who  were 
both  speared  through  the  body. 

At  another  time.  Hays  went  out  with  a  party  of  some  fifteen  or 
twenty  men,  upon  the  frontier  of  Texas,  then  many  miles  west  of 
the  white  settlements,  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  and  locating 
lands  in  the  vicinity  of  a  place  well  known  as  the  "  Enchanted 
Rock."  We  are  unable  to  give  to  the  reader  the  traditionary 
cause  why  this  place  was  so  named,  but  nevertheless,  the  Indians 
had  a  great  awe,  amounting  almost  to  reverence  for  it,  and  would 
tell  many  legendary  tales  connected  with  it  and  the  fate  of  a  few 
brave  warriors,  the  last  of  a  tribe  now  extinct,  who  defended  them- 
selves there  for  many  years  as  in  a  strong  castle,  against  the  attacks 
of  their  hostile  brethren.  But  they  were  finally  overcome  and 
totally  annihilated,  and  ever  since,  the  "Enchanted  Rock"  has 
been  looked  upon  as  the  exclusive  property  of  these  phantom  war- 
riors. This  is  one  of  the  many  tales  which  the  Indians  tell  con- 
cerning it.  The  rock  forms  the  apex  of  a  high,  round  hill,  very 
rugged  and  difficult  of  ascent.  In  the  centre  there  is  a  hollow,  in 
the  shape  of  a  bowl,  and  sufficiently  large  to  allow  a  small  party 
of  men  to  lie  in  it,  thus  forming  a  small  fort,  the  projecting  and 
elevated  sides  serving  as  a  protection. 

Not  far  from  the  base  of  this  hill.  Hays  and  his  men,  at  the  time 
of  the  expedition  spoken  of,  which  occurred  in  the  year  1841,  or 
'42,  were  attacked  by  a  large  force  of  Indians.  When  the  fight 
commenced,  Hays  being  some  distance  from  his  party,  was  cut 
off*  from  them,  and  being  closely  pressed  by  the  Indians,  made 
good  his  retreat  to  the  top  of  the  hill.  Reaching  the  "  Enchanted 
Rock,"  he  there  intrenched  himself,  and  determined  to  sell  his 
fife  dearly,  for  he  had  scarcely  a  gleam  of  hope  left  to  escape. 
The  Indians  who  were  in  pursuit,  upon  arriving  near  the  summit, 
set  up  a  most  hideous  howl,  and  after  surrounding  the  spot,  pre- 
pared for  the  charge  ;  being  bent  upon  taking  this  "  Devil  Jack," 
as  they  called  him,  at  all  hazards,  for  they  knew  who  was  the 
commander.     As  they  would  approach,  Hays  would  rise,  and 


112  EXPLOITS  OF    COLONEL    HAYS. 

level  his  rifle ;  knowing  his  unerring  aim,  they  would  drop  back. 
In  this  way  he  kept  them  at  bay  for  nearly  an  hour ;  the  Indians 
howling  around  him  all  the  while,  like  so  many  wolves.  But 
finally  becoming  emboldened,  as  he  had  not  yet  fired  his  rifle, 
they  approached  so  near  that  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  go 
to  work  in  earnest.  So,  as  they  continued  to  advance,  he  dis- 
charged his  rifle,  and  then  seizing  his  five-shooter,  he  felled  them 
on  all  sides ;  thus  keeping  them  off*,  until  he  could  reload.  In 
this  manner  he  defended  himself  for  three  long  hours,  when  the 
Indians  becoming  furiously  exasperated,  rushed  in  mass,  and 
gained  the  top,  on  one  side  of  the  hill ;  his  men,  who  had  heard 
the  crack  of  his  rifle,  and  had  been  fighting  most  desperately  to 
reach  their  leader,  now  succeeded  in  breaking  through  the  file  of 
Indians  on  the  other  side,  and  arrived  just  in  time  to  save  him. 

"  This,"  said  the  Texian,  who  told  us  the  story,  "  was  one  of 
*  Jack^s^  most  narrow  escapes,  and  he  considers  it  one  of  the 
tightest  little  places  that  he  ever  was  in.  The  Indians  who  had 
believed  for  a  long  time  that  he  bore  a  charmed  life,  were  then 
more  than  ever  convinced  of  the  fact." 

So  many  were  the  stories  that  went  the  rounds  in  camp  of  his 
perilous  expeditions,  his  wild  and  daring  adventures,  and  his  cool 
and  determined  bravery,  that  when  we  saw  the  man  who  held 
such  sway  over  his  fellow-beings,  we  were  first  inclined  to  believe 
that  we  had  been  deceived.  But  when  we  saw  him  afterwards 
in  the  field,  we  then  knew  him  to  be  the  "  intrepid  Hays."  So 
great  is  his  reputation  among  the  Mexicans,  that  he  is  everywhere 
known  as  "  Capitan  Jack.'^  Notwithstanding  his  rigid  disci- 
pline, for  his  word  is  law  among  his  men,  yet  ofl'  duty  he  is  a 
bland  and  pleasant  companion,  and  the  men  familiarly  call  him 
Jack,  though  there  is  that  about  the  man,  which  prevents  one  from 
taking  the  shghtest  hberty  with  him. 

On  one  occasion,  some  Indians  came  into  San  Antonio,  to  make 
a  treaty.  Several  chiefs  were  standing  together,  and  had  singled 
out  Hays  from  several  others,  and  were  conversing  about  him.  At 
last  two  of  them  approached,  and  asked  him  why  it  was  that  he 
would  go  out  alone,  which  was  frequently  the  case,  and  run  such 
risks  without  the  chance  of  aid  ? 

"  '  Blue  Wing'  and  I,"  said  the  chief,  pointing  to  his  compa- 
nion, "  no  fraid  go  to  hell  together — '  Capitan  Jack,'  great  brave — 
no  fraid  go  to  hell  by  himself."  By  which  the  chief  meant,  that 
Hays  was  not  afraid  to  go  anywhere  alone,  which  was  certainly  a 
great  compliment. 

The  First  Division  was  now  making  active  preparations  for  its 
departure.  Large  wagon  trains  were  leaving  daily  for  Serralvo, 
escorted  by  the  dragoons.     A  thousand  rumours  were  afloat  in 


EXPLOITS   OF   COLONEL   HAYS.  113 

regard  to  the  Mexican  forces.  First,  we  could  hear  that  they 
were  fortifying  Monterey — then,  that  Monterey  was  not  defended, 
and  that  they  were  going  to  make  a  stand  of  it  at  Saltillo — while 
again  it  was  the  opinion  of  others,  that  we  would  not  meet  the 
enemy  at  all.  The  excitement,  however,  was  general  with  the 
Mexicans,  as  well  as  ourselves.  Large  parties  of  the  latter  were 
out  pressing  the  rancheros  and  peons  into  service,  and  every 
thing  indicated  that  a  grand  movement  was  making  hy  both  par- 
ties. The  Volunteers,  composing  the  Third  Division,  under  Maj. 
Gen.  Butler,  consisting  of  the  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and 
Mississippi  regiments,  were  daily  arriving.  On  the  30th,  our 
company  was  again  re-organized,  and  on  the  31st,  we  were  mus- 
tered into  the  service  for  three  months  more.  Orders  had  been 
issued  during  the  week  for  our  departure,  and  we  had  been  occu- 
pied getting  our  horses  shod,  our  saddles  fixed,  and,  in  short,  mak- 
ing every  final  arrangement  for  the  most  active  service.  This  time 
there  was  to  be  no  return,  until  some  decisive  blow  was  struck. 

On  the  first  of  September,  our  company  was  ready,  as  well  as 
that  of  Capt.  Gillespie's,  and  at  9,  a.  m.,  we  crossed  the  Rio  San 
Juan,  and  proceeded  on  together,  until  we  arrived  at  Lake  Guar- 
dado, where  we  encamped.  Here  we  found  Capt.  May's  dra- 
goons, detachments  of  which  had  been  escorting  the  trains  from 
Comargo  to  Serralvo  and  back.  After  dinner,  we  were  again  in 
the  saddle,  and  proceeded  on  to  our  old  camp  ground,  twelve  miles 
from  Mier,  where  we  encamped  for  the  night.  At  daybreak  on 
the  2d,  we  continued  our  way,  arrived  at  Mier  at  8,  a.  m.,  and  en- 
camped under  the  shade-trees.  We  found  the  place  looking  very 
lonely  and  deserted— most  of  the  Mexican  men  had  left.  No 
troops  occupied  the  place,  Capt.  Vinton's  company  having  left  for 
Serralvo.  The  principal  stores,  too,  were  closed,  and  there  was  to 
be  seen  scarcely  any  signs  of  Hfe  or  activity.  Here  we  stayed 
till  4,  p.  M.,  when  we  saddled  up,  and  took  the  road  to  Punta 
Aguda.  We  continued  on  till  8,  p.  m.,  when  we  encamped  by  the 
side  of  a  creek,  fifteen  miles  from  Mier.  The  day  had  been  ex- 
cessively warm,  and  our  road  lay  over  a  succession  of  high  barren 
ridges,  which  made  the  travelling  very  tiresome.  After  the  guard 
was  posted,  camp-fires  were  lighted,  and  the  different  messes  went 
to  work  preparing  supper,  and  grooming  and  feeding  their  horses. 
Having  finished  their  meal,  the  men  betook  themselves  to  rest,  and 
gradually  the  hum  of  the  camp  was  lost  in  quiet  slumber.  Two 
of  our  mess,  however,  not  feeling  inclined  to  sleep,  lay  awake, 
talking  low  to  each  other,  while  a  third  was  sitting  up  mending 
his  chaparral-torn  unmentionables.  It  was  a  most  charming  moon- 
light night,  and  the  scene  that  presented  itself  was  wild  and  novel 
in  the  extreme.     The  bank  of  the  creek,  by  which  we  had  en- 

10* 


114  THE   LIPAN   CHIEF. 

camped,  lay  some  distance  off  from  the  road ;  it  was  a  beautiful 
level  green,  surrounded  on  all  sides,  except  that  of  the  creek, 
which  presented  a  fine  view,  by  thick  chaparral  Avhich  concealed 
us  entirely  from  persons  passing  on  the  road.  The  men  lay  in 
groups  around  on  their  blankets,  wrapped  in  sleep,  with  their 
horses  tied  near  them,  and  save  the  low  undertone  of  the  wakeful 
few,  and  the  firm  tread  of  the  sentinels,  all  was  as  calm  and  still 
as  the  silvery  Hght  which  shed  its  soft  rays  upon  the  scene.  We 
had  felt  restless  ourself,  and  were  reclining  on  our  elbow,  contem- 
plating the  beauty  of  the  landscape,  when  our  attention  was  at- 
tracted by  our  two  messmates,  who  were  engaged  discussing  the 
relative  merits  of  the  individuals  of  different  nations,  in  regard  to 
their  capacity  to  excel  in  the  service  in  which  we  were  then  en- 
listed— that  was,  as  scouts  or  spies. 

"  The  Americans  make  very  good  spies,"  said  Jack  McM ; 

"but  the  Mexicans  excel  them,  and  I  think  the  Indians  are  supe- 
rior to  either.  The  keen  perception,  the  circumspection,  untiring 
patience  and  self-denial,  and  indomitable  perseverance  so  abso- 
lutely essential  to  success,  the  Indians  possess  to  such  an  extra- 
ordinary degree,  that  they  seem  fitted  by  nature  to  the  task. 
Now,  to  illustrate  my  meaning,"  continued  Jack,  "  let  me  tell 
you  an  incident  that  fell  under  my  own  observation,  which  will 
prove  to  you  that  as  a  spy,  the  Indian  is  without  a  rival." 

"  Some  years  ago,  I  was  a  private  in  Jack  Hays's  company  of 
Rangers.  Our  command  was  stationed  at  San  Antonio,  and  as  the 
Mexican  robbing  parties  had  been  exceedingly  troublesome  along 
the  frontier,  our  captain  determined,  as  a  means  of  retaliation  for 
the  injury  they  had  committed,  to  strike  a  blow  at  some  of  the 
towns  on  the  Rio  Grande.  Loredo  was  the  point  decided  upon  as 
the  most  suitable  for  our  attack.  All  our  preparations  were  quick- 
ly made,  and  we  procured  for  our  guide  a  man  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  the  whole  country  lying  between  the  river  San 
Antonio  and  the  Rio  Grande.  Just  as  we  were  about  starting,  the 
Lipan  chief,  *  Flacco,'  volunteered  to  accompany  us,  and  he  was 
most  willingly  received  into  our  party.  Several  times  during  our 
journey,  we  found  our  guide  sorely  puzzled  in  regard  to  our  route, 
and  on  one  cloudy  day,  when  it  was  impossible  to  take  a  course 
by  the  sun,  we  were  completely  lost  as  to  the  direction  to  be  pur- 
sued. On  these  occasions,  *  Flacco'  was  called  upon  to  give  his 
opinion  as  to  the  route  we  ought  to  travel,  and  without  the  sHghtest 
hesitation,  he  would  point  out  the  proper  course,  and  we  never  in 
any  instance  found  him  at  fault. 

"  As  we  expected  to  see  hard  service  on  the  Rio  Grande,  Capt. 
Hays  wished  to  save  our  horses  as  much  as  possible  on  the  way 
out,  and  therefore  made  each  day's  ride  as  easy  as  the  nature  of 


THE  LIPAN   CHIEF.  115 

the  case  would  permit.  *  Flacco'  conld  not  understand  the  reason 
of  our  slow  progress ;  and  one  day,  when  we  had  stopped  earlier 
than  usual,  in  a  pleasant  grove,  to  graze  our  horses  and  prepare 
our  dinners,  I  noticed  him  leaning  against  a  tree,  with  his  arms 
folded  across  his  breast,  looking  around  him  with  a  smile  of  con- 
tempt.    I  asked  him  if  he  would  eat  something  with  our  mess. 

"  '  No,'  said  he,  drawing  himself  tip  proudly,  *  No — warriors 
never  eat  much  on  war-path.  Too  much  eat — too  much  eat,' 
•said  he,  shaking  his  head  thoughtfully.  *  Capitan  Hays  great 
"chief,  but  American  eat  too  much  on  war-path/ 

"  On  one  occasion,  as  we  were  about  to  cross  a  river,  our  keen- 
sighted  captain  discovered  horse-tracks  upon  the  opposite  bank, 
'and  calling  '  Flacco'  to  him,  desired  him  to  swim  the  river,  and 
find  out  if  the  tracks  were  those  of  wild  horses,  or  made  by  steeds 
with  riders  on  their  backs. 

"  The  chief  plunged  into  the  stream  with  his  horse,  and  soon 
reached  the  opposite  bank,  and  then  observing  the  trail  attentively 
for  a  few  moments,  he  struck  off  into  the  chaparral  in  a  slow  trot. 
In  about  half  an  hour  he  returned  and  reported  that  he  had  seen 
no  one,  but  that  the  horses,  whose  track  he  had  followed,  had  been 
ridden ;  that  one  of  them  was  a  bay  horse,  and  the  other  a  gray, 
and  that  their  riders  were  Indians. 

"  Capt.  Hays  seemed  to  place  great  reliance  upon  the  statement ; 
but  I  turned  round  with  an  incredulous  air,  and  asked  a  companion 
how  the  d — 1  the  chief  could  learn  all  these  facts  if  he  had  seen 
nothing  but  the  trail. 

" '  Oh,  it  is  easy  enough,'  said  he,  *  for  them  Ingins  to  tell  any 
thing,  when  once  they  set  their  eagle  eyes  upon  ^^ fresh  signs.'*^ ' 

" '  But  how  was  it  done  ?'  I  inquired,  for  I  was  then  green  in  the 
woods. 

" '  How  ?  why,  I'll  tell  you,  youngster.  You  see  when 
"  Flacco"  first  went  over,  he  looked  at  the  tracks  on  the  bank. 
Now,  a  loose  horse,  after  he  is  done  drinking,  always  stops  on  the 
top  of  the  bank  to  look  around  and  nip  a  few  mouthfuls  of  grass. 
Well,  as  soon  as  the  Ingin  found  that  the  horses  had  gone  straight 
on,  he  knew  that  they  must  have  had  riders  on  them.  Then  he 
followed  the  trail  until  he  came  to  some  place  where  they  stopped ; 
there  he  found  the  place  where  the  horses  had  rolled  after  they 
were  unsaddled,  or  rubbed  themselves  against  a  tree.  In  this  way 
he  found  out  their  colour  by  the  hair  they  had  rubbed  off;  and 
then,  if  he  did  not  find  out  by  the  camp  itself,  he  knew  by  the 
tufts  of  buffalo  hair  sticking  to  the  bushes,  that  the  riders  must  be 
Ingins,  for  no  one  else  rides  in  the  chaparral  wrapped  in  buffalo 
robes,  except  Ingins.     Ain't  it  all  clar  now  V 

"  Ever  since  that,"  said  Jack,  "  I  have  been  perfectly  satisfied 


116  ARRIVAL   AT    SERRALVO. 

that  the  Indians  were  the  best  spies  in  the  world ;  and,  of  all  the 
prairie  tribes,  I  consider  the  Comanches  the  most  superior  race.'* 

Jack  having  here  ended  his  story,  and  he  of  our  mess  having 
finished  repairing  his  nether  garment  "  by  the  light  of  the  moon,'* 
we  all  dropped  off  to  sleep. 

At  day -light,  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  we  were  in  the  saddle, 
and  continued  our  way  towards  Punta  Aguda,  where  we  arrived  at 
10,  A.  M.— distance  thirty-five  miles  from  Mier,  aad  fifteen  miles 
from  Serralvo.  Here  we  found  the  5th  and  7th  Infantry  encamped. 
We  had  had  a  very  fatiguing  ride,  and  our  horses  had  suffered 
very  much  with  the  heat.  We  encamped  on  the  banks  of  a 
beautiful  little  stream,  on  the  other  side  of  which  was  a  fine  field 
of  grass,  which  was  a  grateful  refreshment  to  our  horses.  The 
Mexicans  came  into  our  camp,  bringing  us  melons,  dried  figs,  and 
other  fruit,  which  served  for  dessert  after  our  dinner.  Here  we 
saw  several  of  our  old  acquaintances,  whom  we  met  at  the  fari' 
dangOi  when  we  were  last  at  this  place.  Although  they  appeared 
friendly,  yet  they  did  not  seem  to  rehsh  our  return  very  much. 
Our  horse  had  become  very  lame,  and  it  was  feared  we  could  not 
proceed  with  the  company.  At  5,  p.  m.,  however,  we  were 
ordered  to  "  saddle  up,"  and  not  hking  the  idea  of  being  left  be- 
hind, we  concluded  to  go  on,  thinking  our  horse  would  get  over  it. 
We  rode  on,  then,  with  the  rear-guard ;  but  after  travelling  a 
mile  or  two,  it  was  found  impossible  to  keep  up ;  so,  one  of  our 
messmates  joining  us,  we  were  left  behind.  We  know  of  no 
situation  so  unpleasant,  so  trying  or  vexatious,  as  to  be  travelling  in 
an  enemy's  country,  and  have  your  horse  become  suddenly  lame. 
A  man  with  a  lame  horse  is  no  better  than  a  wounded  man,  for  he 
is  of  no  account.  We  travelled  on  alone,  then,  at  a  slow  pace ; 
night  had  already  set  in,  and  it  appeared  as  if  we  would  never 
reach  our  destination.  Our  companion  was  sure  we  were  lost ; 
but,  having  travelled  the  road  before,  we  kept  on,  feeling  confi- 
dent that  we  were  right,  there  being  no  ranchos  on  the  road  to 
inquire  at.  At  last  we  crossed  a  well-known  stream,  and  ascend- 
ed the  hill  on  which  stood  Serralvo,  where  we  arrived  at  about  10 
o'clock,  p.  M.  Here  we  found  our  company  encamped  on  the 
other  side  of  the  town ;  and,  being  much  fatigued,  we  staked  out 
our  horses,  and  lay  down  on  the  rocky  ground,  which  was  covered 
with  little  grass  burs,  and  soon  fell  asleep. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  we  were  awakened  by  drums  and 
fifes  beating  the  reveille.  Gen.  Worth's  Division  was  all  here, 
except  the  5th  and  7th  Infantry,  which  was  expected  daily  from 
Punta  Aguda,  as  soon  as  they  should  be  relieved  by  other  troops 
on  their  way  up.  Our  company  marched  down  to  a  most  lovely 
spot,  and  encamped  on  the  banks  of  the  beautiful  Rio  Alamo. 


SCOUT   TO    CARRISITO.  117 

Orders  soon  after  came  from  head-quarters  for  a  detachment  of 
twenty  of  our  men,  to  proceed  as  far  as  Carrisito,  about  seven 
miles  distant,  to  make  a  reconnoissance.  Three  armed  Mexicans 
were  captured  the  nig-ht  before,  and  it  was  supposed  a  considera- 
ble force  Avere  somewhere  in  the  vicinity.  At  10,  a.  m.,  the 
detachment  returned,  having  obtained  important  information  con- 
cerning the  enemy.  Orders  were  immediately  issued  for  the  two 
companies — McCuUoch's  and  Gillespie's — to  get  ready  for  a  scout. 
'  Our  horse  being  too  lame  to  travel,  we  procured  another  from 
'a  friend,  and  at  about  4,  p.  m.,  both  companies,  composed,  in  all, 
of  eighty  well-mounted  men,  were  in  the  saddle.  The  pack- 
mules,  and  every  description  of  baggage,  were  left  behind,  the 
men  merely  carrying  in  their  wallets  two  days'  provision.  Lieut. 
Meade,  of  the  Topographical  Engineers,  accompanied  us  to  exa- 
mine the  road.  We  also  took  with  us  a  Mexican,  for  a  guide, 
whom  we  mounted  on  one  of  our  horses.  In  order  to  throw  the 
Mexican  spies  off  the  scent,  we  struck  off  to  the  right  of  the  Ser- 
ralvo  mountains,  towards  Salinas,  about  two  miles  ;  then  crossed 
through  the  chaparral,  and  took  the  road  to  the  left,  leading  to 
Marin.  Just  before  sundown,  a  Mexican  was  seen  ahead,  who, 
on  discovering  us,  took  after  some  cattle,  and  pretended  to  be 
driving  them ;  but  the  ruse  would  not  do.  He  then  attempted  to 
run,  but  finding  so  many  fast  horses  and  sharp  rifles  after  him,  he 
made  a  halt,  and  came  up,  pretending  that  he  was  a  vacara,  or 
cow-driver.  After  threatening  the  fellow  with  death,  we  ascer- 
tained that  Canales,  with  about  five  hundred  rancheros,  and  Col. 
Carrasco,  with  between  two  and  three  hundred  regular  cavalry, 
were  at  Papagayo,  about  thirty-five  miles  distant.  This  agreed 
with  the  information  obtained  early  in  the  morning.  Soon  after 
this  we  passed  Rancho  Carrisito,  and  wound  our  way  around  the 
Serralvo  mountains  about  six  miles  further,  when  we  encamped 
near  a  bold  creek.  Here  we  prepared  supper,  and  fed  our  horses. 
Our  guide  was  then  sent  back  afoot,  with  a  note  to  Gen.  Worth, 
informing  him  of  the  situation  and  force  of  the  enemy. 

After  resting  an  hour,  we  took  up  our  march  over  the  mountains 
through  a  wild  and  lonely  district  of  country,  with  occasional  deep 
ravines  and  ledges  of  rock.  Ridge  after  ridge  was  crossed,  and 
the  mountains  loomed  up  in  the  darkness  on  every  side,  (for  there 
was  no  moon,)  presenting  a  scene  of  grandeur  which  was  height- 
ened by  the  intense  interest  of  the  expedition.  At  midnight,  after 
a  hard  ride  over  one  of  the  most  rocky  and  hilly  roads  that  we  had 
yet  encountered,  we  arrived  within  two  miles  of  the  enemy's  camp, 
and  stopped  at  a  rancho  called  Papagayo,  (the  Spanish  name  of  a 
flower  like  a  tuHp,)  which,  being  surrounded  by  mountains,  forms 
a  cup,  from  which  we  suppose  it  takes  its  name.     The  Mexi- 


118  SCOUT  TO   PAPAGAYO. 

cans  at  the  rancho  were  aroused  from  their  slumbers,  and  sur- 
prised to  find  so  large  a  body  of  men  at  their  doors.  After  a 
great  deal  of  cross-examination  we  obtained  some  farther  infor- 
mation from  an  old  man  here,  and  the  advance  guard  was 
sent  on  ahead  to  try  to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  enemy. 
We  learned  that  two  Mexican  couriers  had  passed  at  full  speed 
during  the  night,  carrying  the  information  of  our  advance.  A 
fight  was  certainly  expected,  and  throughout  our  whole  hne  all 
was  as  still  as  night.  Here  we  remained  about  an  hour,  when  the 
advance  guard  came  in  and  reported  that  they  had  met  the  picket- 
guard  of  the  enemy,  and,  after  a  hard  chase,  had  run  them  nearly 
to  their  own  camp,  where  they  made  good  their  safety.  The  tro- 
phies of  the  night  consisted  of  a  /ance,  which  one  of  the  Mexican 
cavalry  dropped  in  the  race.  After  a  consultation,  it  was  thought 
most  prudent  to  make  a  retrograde  movement,  as  the  position  as 
well  as  the  force  of  the  enemy  was  found  to  be  very  strong.  We 
fell  back,  then,  about  three  miles,  where  we  found  a  strong  natural 
position.  It  was  determined  to  remain  here  until  dayhght  and 
await  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  which  was  now  confidently  ex- 
pected. A  strong  picket-guard  was  posted,  and  the  men  ordered 
to  be  in  readiness  at  a  moment's  warning.  Our  horses  stood  sad- 
dled, and  the  men  lay  down  on  the  hard  rocky  ground,  holding 
their  horses  by  their  bridles,  or  cabestros. 

Of  all  the  mental  agony  of  which  the  soul  is  capable  of  feeling, 
there  is,  perhaps,  none  so  intense,  painful,  or  exciting,  as  the  feel- 
ing of  suspense ;  for,  unlike  any  other,  it  has  no  vent,  no  relief, 
but  by  the  actual  transpiring  of  events,  to  be  decided  only  by  the 
fate  of  time.  We  do  not  mean,  however,  that  the  anguish  is  as 
great  on  all  occasions,  for  it  is  the  cause  which  governs  in  all  cases 
the  extent  of  our  feelings.  Here  we  lay,  then,  for  three  hours, 
anxiously  awaiting  the  attack  of  the  enemy.  The  men  were 
much  fatigued  from  the  hard  ride,  and  could  not  help  dozing,  until 
gradually  becoming  tired  of  watching,  many  fell  asleep.  As  the 
day  broke  on  the  morning  of  the  5th,  the  picket-guard  came  in  and 
reported  that  the  enemy  had  made  no  demonstration  of  attack. 
The  men  were  then  aroused,  and  ordered  to  mount.  Springing 
to  our  feet,  with  our  guns  in  our  hands,  we  were  in  the  saddle 
again  on  the  homeward  track.  At  8,  a.  m.,  we  encamped  at  the 
creek,  where  we  had  stopped  the  night  before,  and  prepared  break- 
fast. On  the  road  we  made  two  more  prisoners.  About  noon, 
when  near  the  rancho  Carrisito,  we  discovered  a  large  force  ahead, 
which  we  took  to  be  Mexicans,  but  which  proved  to  be  a  detach- 
ment of  the  artillery  battalion,  numbering  about  300  men,  under  Col. 
Childs,  which  had  been  despatched  by  Gen.  Worth  to  our  relief; 
who,  on  receiving  from  the  guide  the  information  of  the  superiority 


119 

of  the  enemy's  forces,  and  fearing  we  might  be  cut  off,  sent  this 
force  to  cover  our  retreat.  There  was  no  occasion,  however,  for 
their  assistance.  Had  they  but  proceeded  with  us  at  first,  we 
might  have  routed  the  enemy  and  made  some  important  cap- 
tures. We  all  returned  together,  and  the  soldiers  were  evi- 
dently disappointed,  as  they  expected  to  have  had  a  frolic  with 
us.  The  prisoner  that  was  taken  on  the  first  night  of  our  march 
proved  to  be  one  of  Canales'  spies,  who  had  been  sent  to  ascer- 
tain our  force  at  Serralvo  ;  he  was  a  cunning,  shrewd  fellow,  by 
the  name  of  Heronimo,  and  acted  many  parts  during  the  cam- 
paign, which  we  shall  have  occasion  to  notice  hereafter. 

On  our  return  to  camp,  we  found  many  old  friends  who  had 
arrived  since  we  left.  It  was  a  fine  moonlight  night,  and,  after 
taking  a  walk  in  the  plaza,  where  the  band  was  playing  some 
sweet  melting  airs,  we  retired  to  our  quarters. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Camp  at  Serralvo — Gen.  Ampudia's  Proclamation — Its  EfTect— The  Mexican 
Feeling — The  Alcalde's  Fandango — Scenes  and  Incidents  at  Punta  Aguda — 
The  Third  Brigade  on  the  qui  vive — Arrival  of  Gen.  Taylor  and  First  and 
Third  Divisions — Orders  for  the  March  of  the  Army — Departure  of  the  Ad- 
vance— Arrival  at  Papagayo — Discovery  of  the  Enemy — The  expected  At- 
tack— Scout  to  Ramos — Skirmish  with  the  Mexican  Cavalry — The  Chase 
and  Retreat — Our  Return  to  Camp — Arrival  of  Gen.  Taylor  and  the  First 
Division — Camp  Scene — Movements  of  the  Second  Division,  &c. 

On  Sunday,  the  6th,  Gen.  Smith's  brigade,  composed  of  the  5th 
and  7th  Infantry,  of  the  Second  Division,  to  which  was  attached 
Capt.  Blanchard's  company  of  Louisiana  volunteers,  came  up  from 
Punta  Aguda,  having  been  relieved  by  the  Third  Brigade  of  the 
First  Division.  Rumors  were  now  rife  throughout  the  country 
concerning  the  two  armies.  Gen.  Ampudia  had  arrived  at  Mon- 
terey, and  issued  a  proclamation  threatening  all  with  death  who 
should  in  any  way  assist  the  American  army.  We  here  give  a 
copy  of  the  pronunciamento  : 

ampudia's  proclamation. 

Considering  that  the  hour  has  arrived,  Avhen  energetic  measures 
and  precautionary  dispositions  should  be  taken,  to  liberate  the  de- 
partments of  the  east  from  the  rapacity  of  the  Anglo-Americans, 
and  for  attending  to  the  rights  of  the  people  and  the  usages  of  war, 
every  person  who  may  prove  a  traitor  to  his  country,  or  a  spy  of 
the  enemy,  shall  suffer  death  without  any  remission  of  sentence  ; 
and,  taking  into  consideration  that  it  is  my  bounden  duty,  to  put  an 
end  to  the  evils  which  have  been  caused  by  the  contraband  trade 


120  ampudia's  proclamation. 

that  has  heen  indiscriminately  carried  on  by  the  usurpers  of  our 
sacred  territory,  and  using  the  faculties  which  the  laws  have  em- 
powered me  with,  I  decree  as  follows  : 

1.  Every  native,  or  foreigner,  who  shall,  either  directly  or  indi- 
rectly, voluntarily  aid  or  assist  the  enemy  in  any  manner  whatso- 
ever, shall  suffer  death  by  being  shot. 

2.  All  those  who,  after  the  publication  of  this  proclamation,  shall 
continue  to  traffic  in  contraband  articles  with  the  enemy,  shall  suf- 
fer the  same  penalty  named  in  the  preceding  article.  , 

3.  The  authorities  of  every  branch  of  the  public  service  will , 
take  especial  care,  under  the  strictest  responsibility,  that  this  arti- 
cle  shall  be  rigorously  complied  with. 

4.  This  proclamation  should  produce  popular  action  among  our  . 
citizens,  who  are  under  the  obligation  to  make  known  any  infrac- 
tion of  it,  and  all  citizens  are  empowered  to  apprehend  criminals  , 
and  deliver  them  over  to  the  judicial  authorities ;  and  that  all 
persons  may  be  duly  notified,  and  that  none  may  plead  ignorance, 
I  order  the  publication  of  this  proclamation,  and  that  due  circula- 
tion shall  be  given  it. 

Done  at  the  head-quarters  of  the  army,  in  Monterey,  August 
31,  1846.  Pedro  de  Ampudia. 

This  had  its  effect  upon  the  Mexicans,  and  an  evident  change 
was  to  be  seen.     Indeed,  they  had  been  growing  more  surly  and 
hostile  ever  since  our  advance  from  Comargo,  and  all  their  smiles 
and  apparent  friendship  had  been  only  bought  with  gold.     Many 
of  the  families  had  left  the  place.     Notwithstanding  that,  there  is 
a  neat  church  here,  yet  no  service  was  held  to-day.     A  requisi- ; 
tion  had  been  made  upon  the  alcalde  for  all  the  corn   in   the  * 
vicinity ;  and,  at  the  risk  of  his  head,  for  the  sake  of  gain,  he 
agreed  to  supply  the  quartermaster's  department  at  the  rate  of 
$1  25  per  bushel.     Wood  was  supplied  also  at  $2  50  per  cord, , 
and  a  miserable  jacal  was  rented  for  a  blacksmith  shop  at  $1  50 
per  day.     For  the  most  ordinary  things  of  no  value,  but  still  re- , 
quisite,  they  extorted  the  most  outrageous  prices.     As  far  as  we . 
marched  through  the  country,  we  bettered  the  condition  of  the 
people  in  every  way,  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest  class,  not 
only  by  filling  their  pockets,  but  by  introducing  civihzed  arts  and 
customs  among  them,  and  luxuries  which  they  never  knew  of 
before.     Whether  it  was  from  extreme  poverty  or  ignorance,  we 
cannot  say  ;  but  certain  it  is,  that  the  most  of  them  never  knew 
the  use  of  a  looking-glass,  or  a  brush  and  comb,  until  we  came 
among  them. 

There  were  several  Mexican  stores  open,  besides  our  sutler's,. 
and  also  a  billiard-room,  which  contributed  greatly  to  the  amuse- 


MR.    HAILE's   letter.  1^1" 

ment  of  the  officers.  The  town  was  very  lively,  and  the  men 
were  better  pleased  with  their  quarters  than  any  place  we  had  yet 
visited.  The  mornings  and  evenings  were  dehghtful,  and  the 
men  bathed  daily  in  the  refreshing  waters  of  the  Rio  Alamo. 
On  the  8th,  the  alcalde  gave  a  complimentary  fandango  to  the 
officers,  or  rather  a  jubilee  to  celebrate  his  good  luck  in  having 
made  a  fortune  out  of  his  enemies.  The  ball  was  given  in  the 
large  room  of  the  alcalde's  house,  and  some  thirty  young  girls 
were  assembled,  dressed  very  neatly.  Some  had  on  white 
dresses,  with  short  sleeves,  and  were  decorated  with  jewelry.  In 
fact,  it  was  the  most  distingue  affair  that  we  had  yet  seen.  Gen. 
Worth,  as  well  as  the  officers  generally,  attended.  The  alcalde's 
niece  was  the  belle  of  the  evening,  and  she  was  really  quite  a 
pretty  girl,  with  a  fine  form,  regular  features,  and  large  lustrous 
black  eyes.  The  mammas  accompanied  their  ninas,  as  they 
called  their  daughters,  and  seemed  delighted  with  the  attention 
paid  them  by  the  officers.  Cake  and  wine  were  handed  around 
during  the  evening  ;  and  to  have  seen  the  coquetry  and  ffirtations 
of  the  Mexican  senoritas  and  the  gay  cavahers,  would  have  pro- 
duced many  a  hearty  laugh  from  our  city  belles.  The  frolic  was 
kept  up  till  late,  and,  long  after  the  ladies  were  seen  home,  the 
song  and  laugh  of  revelry  continued  in  the  banquet  hall.  To 
many  a  brave  and  noble  soul,  who  participated  in  the  wild  glee 
and  merriment  of  that  occasion,  was  it  destined  to  be  the  last 
night  of  innocent  mirth. 

In  order  to  give  to  the  reader  all  the  incidents  of  the  campaign, 
as  far  as  it  lies  in  our  power,  and  the  movements  and  occurrences 
of  the  main  body  of  the  army,  for  we  were  always  in  the  extreme 
advance,  we  shall  occasionally  give  the  letters  of  Mr.  Haile,  or 
make  extracts  from  them,  relating  to  the  army  where  we  were 
not  in  person.  It  will  be  seen  by  the  following  graphic  letter, 
that  in  anticipation  of  an  action  between  our  advance  force,  and 
that  of  the  enemy,  under  Carrasco,  that  prudent  and  energetic 
officer,  Gen.  Worth,  immediately  on  receiving  the  information 
from  McCulloch,  of  the  force  of  the  enemy,  not  only  sent  a  detach- 
ment of  the  artillery  battahon  to  our  relief,  but  also  despatched  a 
courier  to  Col.  Garland,  at  Punta  Aguda,  with  orders  for  him  to 
march  immediately  to  Serralvo,  in  case  he  should  hear  firing  in 
that  direction,  for  the  purpose  of  concentrating  his  forces,  should 
a  general  engagement  ensue. 

"Punta  Aguda,  Mexico,  Sept.  7,  1846. 

"We  arrived  here,  with  Col.  Wilson's  command,  yesterday,  at 
ten  o'clock,  a.  m.  We  marched  about  fifteen  miles,  through  a 
country  more  interesting  than  any  we  had  before  passed.  Indeed, 
every  day's  approach  to  the  mountains  brings  us  into  a  finer 

11 


122  DESCRIPTION    OF  A    FANDANGO. 

country ;  the  land  becoming  less  arid,  and  vegetation  more  abund- 
ant and  fresh.  The  country  abounds  with  clear  running  streams 
that  spring  from  the  mountains.  From  Comargo  to  this  place, 
the  road  passes  over  innumerable  beds  of  lime-rock,  and  a  mise- 
rable soil,  covered  with  scattering  shrubbery,  and  a  hundred  varie- 
ties of  the  cactus  plant.  Here  the  scene  is  suddenly  changed 
from  a  barren  waste  to  a  garden.  The  camp  is  situated  a  few 
yards  from  a  little  ravine,  down  which  the  Agua  del  Alamo  rushes, 
over  hme  rocks,  with  great  velocity.  The  Mexicans  have  here 
erected  a  neat  dam  of  lime  rock  and  cement,  at  which  the  creek 
is  divided  off  into  several  canals,  which  irrigate  the  farms  around. 
Below  this  dam,  over  which  the  water  falls  almost  perpendicu^ 
larly,  in  an  unbroken  sheet,  is  a  basin  of  foaming  water,  affording 
one  of  the  most  delicious  bathing-places  in  the  world.  I  need  not 
say  that  this  basin  is  always  occupied  by  the  soldiers.  About 
half  a  mile  from  camp  is  a  large  rancho,  or  Mexican  village,  where 
the  farmers  of  this  delightful  region  are  huddled  together  for  se- 
curity.    The  buildings  are  made  of  stone,  with  straw  roofs. 

"  I  went  last  night,  in  company  with  several  officers,  to  attend 
a  fandango  at  this  rancho.  The  dance  was  held  in  front  of  one 
of  the  largest  houses,  in  the  open  air,  the  moon  affording  abund- 
ance of  light.  Benches  were  set  around,  forming  a  circle.  Tables 
were  placed  around  the  ring,  upon  which  a  number  of  cake  mer- 
chants offered  small  loaves  of  brown  sugar,  cigarritos,  and  other 
little  dainties,  for  sale.  Every  thing  was  conducted  with  the  ut- 
most decorum,  and  with  much  taste.  The  sefioritas,  many  of 
whom  were,  by  moonlight,  very  pretty,  were  dressed,  with  a  few 
exceptions,  in  calico,  made  up  after  the  American  style,  or  rather 
in  bad  imitation  of  it.  They  were  ranged  around  upon  the 
benches,  where  they  sat  very  quietly,  behaving  very  hke  our 
country-girls  in  Louisiana,  on  similar  occasions.  In  truth,  the 
party  resembled  a  country  ball  at  home,  the  girls  manifesting  the 
same  modest  timidity,  so  captivating  in  our  sweet  Creole  girls,  and 
the  young  men,  who  were  neatly  clad  in  white  linen  pants,  snow- 
white  shirts,  and  red  silk  sashes,  conducting  themselves  with  per- 
fect poHteness  and  regularity.  A  little  hump-backed  Mexican — 
a  dwarf  withal — was  seated  in  a  chair,  with  a  violin  as  large  as 
himself,  his  keen  black  eyes  twinkling  in  the  moonbeams,  sawing 
out  waltzes  and  break-downs  with  wonderful  ease.  Just  as  the 
waltzing  commenced,  an  orderly  rode  up  from  Col.  Garland — 
Col.  G.  commands  this  camp — with  an  order  for  Col.  Watson, 
who  was  a  spectator,  to  appear  at  his  head-quarters  forthwith.  A 
moment  after,  we  learned  that  an  express  had  arrived  from  Gen. 
Worth,  bringing  orders  for  the  troops  here  to  be  ready  for  an  at- 
tack ;  and  in  case  firing  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  Serralvo, 


THE   ARMY   AT    SERRALVO.  123 

to  set  out  immediately  for  that  place.  A  subdued  buzz  pervaded 
the  camp,  after  orders  in  conformity  with  the  above  had  been  pro- 
mulgated ;  new  instructions  were  given  to  the  sentinels,  cartridge- 
boxes  were  carefully  examined,  muskets  inspected,  and  the  men 
lay  beside  their  arms.  As  no  talking  was  allowed,  and  every 
man  felt  incHned  to  listen,  the  whole  camp  was  soon  wrapped  in 
silence,  excepting  here  and  there  where  a  tired  soldier  could  be 
heard  blowing  off  his  fatigues  and  cares  through  his  nasal  organ. 
It  was  said  that  Canales  was  in  the  vicinity,  with  a  considerable 
body  of  men.  Everybody  awoke  this  morning,  however,  with  a 
whole  skin.  Gen.  Worth  seems  to  feel  confident  that  the  Mexi- 
cans are  determined  to  fight.  So  little  faith  have  I  in  the  tale 
that  there  are  Mexicans  between  here  and  Serralvo,  that  I  shall 
start  for  that  place  this  evening,  in  company  with  two  other  per- 
sons only.  Should  we  come  off  missing,  you  may  therefore  know 
that  there  are  Mexicans  about.  I  go  on  to-night,  because  it  is 
uncertain  whether  Gen.  Taylor  will  reach  this  place  for  two  or 
three  days,  and  I  am  anxious  to  reach  Serralvo  before  him,  so  as 
to  be  prepared  to  travel  on  towards  Monterey,  as  soon  as  he  arrives ; 
for  I  know  that  he  will  not  stop  at  Serralvo  longer  than  twenty- 
four  hours.  He  is  determined  to  take  six  thousand  troops  that 
he  has  selected  for  the  purpose,  and  push  ahead  without  resting. 
The  army  for  Monterey  is,  ere  now,  on  this  side  of  the  San  Juan, 
and  on  their  march." 

The  morning  of  the  9th  was  delightfully  cool  and  pleasant,  and 
nothing  occurred  to  break  the  peaceful  quiet  of  the  little  town 
which  lay  at  the  foot  of  the  Serralvo  mountains,  whose  summits 
received  the  golden  lustre  of  the  rising  sun,  as  it  mounted  its 
course  in  the  heavens.  The  green  herbage  of  the  fields — the 
groups  of  forest  trees  scattered  here  and  there,  with  silvery  fairy 
streams,  vieing  one  with  another  in  their  rapid  course  over  a  ledge 
of  rock,  each  fretting  and  foaming  at  the  obstructions  of  its  way ; 
then  sweetly  murmuring  over  some  pebbled  bed,  and  again  emp- 
tying itself  into  some  deeper  basin,  where  it  settled  into  a  stilly 
quiet,  without  a  ripple  to  mar  its  mirrored  surface — all  presented 
a  most  lovely  scene  for  the  eye  to  dwell  upon,  and  filled  one  with 
emotion,  while  drinking  in  the  beauties  of  the  landscape. 

In  the  afternoon.  Gen.  Taylor  arrived  with  the  2d  Dragoons  and 
the  First  Division,  under  Gen.  Twiggs,  to  which  was  attached 
Capt.  Shiver's  company  of  Texas  volunteers,  and  the  Washington 
and  Baltimore  battalion ;  also,  two  twenty-four  pound  howitzers 
and  one  mortar. 

.  On  the  morning  of  the  10th,  Gen.  Butler  came  up  with  the  First 
Brigade,  under  Gen.  Hamer,  composed  of  the  1st  Ohio  and  1st 
Kentucky  regiments ;  and  at  night,  Gen.  Quitman  arrived  with 


124  GENERAL   ORDERS. 

the  Second  Brigade,  composed  of  the  1st  Mississippi  and  1st  Ten- 
nessee regiments  of  volunteers.  The  whole  force  now  assembled 
at  Serralvo  amounted  to  about  6000  troops,  besides  Gen.  Hen- 
derson's Texas  Rangers,  composed  of  Hays's  and  Wood's  regi- 
ments, which  had  not  yet  come  up. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th  of  September,  the  whole  camp 
was  one  scene  of  activity.  Never  did  the  little  town  wear  such 
an  aspect  of  military  display.  Drums  were  beating  in  all  direc- 
tions, throughout  the  day,  and  all  was  hurry  and  bustle.  The 
forges  of  the  different  batteries  were  busy,  shoeing  horses,  '&c., 
and  every  preparation  was  making  for  our  march  to  Monterey, 
In  the  afternoon,  the  men  assembled  for  evening  parade ;  after 
drill,  the  music  of  the  different  regiments  beat  off,  while  the  offi- 
cers saluted.  The  adjutants  then  read  the  following  orders  from 
head-quarters : 

Head-quarters,  Army  op  Occupation, 

Serralvo,  Sept.  11,  1846. 
[Orders,  No  115.] 

1.  As  the  army  may  expect  to  meet  resistance  in  the  farther 
advance  towards  Monterey,  it  is  necessary  that  the  march  should 
be  conducted  with  all  proper  prepaution  to  meet  an  attack  and  se- 
cure the  baggage  and  supplies. 

From  this  point  the  following  will  be  the  order  of  march  until 
otherwise  directed : 

2.  All  the  pioneers  of  the  army,  consolidated  into  one  party, 
will  march  early  to-morrow  on  the  route  to  Marin,  for  the  purpose 
of  repairing  the  roads  and  rendering  it  practicable  for  artillery  and 
wagons.  The  pioneers  of  each  division  will  be  under  a  subaltern, 
to  be  specially  detailed  for  the  duty,  and  the  whole  will  be  under 
the  command  of  Capt.  Craig,  3d  Infantry,  who  will  report  to  head- 
quarters for  instructions.  This  pioneer  party  will  be  covered  by  a 
squadron  of  dragoons,  and  Capt.  McCulloch's  company  of  Ran- 
gers. Two  officers  of  topographical  engineers,  to  be  detailed  by 
Capt.  WiUiams,  will  accompany  the  party,  for  the  purpose  of  ex- 
amining the  route.  Two  wagons  will  be  provided  by  the  quarter- 
master's department  for  the  transportation  of  the  tools,  provisions, 
and  knapsacks  of  the  pioneer  party. 

3.  The  First  Division  will  march  on  the  13th  instant,  to  be  fol- 
lowed on  successive  days  by  the  Second  Division  and  field  division 
of  volunteers.  The  head-quarters  will  march  with  the  First  Di- 
vision. Capt.  Gillespie,  with  half  of  his  company,  will  report  to 
Maj.  Gen.  Butler ;  the  other  half,  under  the  first-lieutenant,  to 
Brig.  Gen.  Worth.  These  detachments  will  be  employed  for  out- 
posts and  videttes,  and  as  expresses  between  the  column  and  head- 
quarters. 

4.  The  subsistence  supplies  will  be  divided  between  the  three 


PREPARATIONS  FOR   THE   MARCH   TO   MONTEREY.  125 

coiumns,  the  senior  commissary  of  each  division  receipting  for 
the  stores,  and  being  charged  with  their  care  and  management. 
The  senior  commissaries  of  divisions  will  report  to  Capt.  Wagga- 
man  for  this  duty. 

'  5.  Each  division  will  be  followed  immediately  by  its  baggage 
train,  and  supply  train,  with  a  strong  rear-guard.  The  ordnance 
train  under  Capt.  Ramsay  will  march  with  the  Second  Division, 
between  its  baggage  and  supply  train,  and  will  come  under  the 
protection  of  the  guard  of  that  division.  The  medical  suppHes 
will,  in  like  manner,  march  with  the  First  Division. 

6.  The  troops  will  take  eight  days'  rations  and  forty  rounds  of 
ammunition.  All  surplus  arms  and  accoutrements,  resulting  from 
casualties  on  the  road,  will  be  deposited  with  Lieut.  Stewart,  left 
in  charge  of  the  depot  at  this  place,  who  will  give  certificates  of 
deposit  to  the  company  commanders. 

7.  The  wagons  appropriated  for  transportation  of  water  will  not 
be  required,  and  will  be  turned  over  to  the  quartermaster's  depart- 
ment for  general  purposes. 

8.  Two  companies  of  the  Mississippi  regiment  will  be  desig- 
nated for  the  garrison  of  this  place.  All  sick  and  disabled  men, 
unfit  for  the  march,  will  be  left  behind,  under  charge  of  a  medical 
officer  to  be  selected  for  this  duty  by  the  medical  director. 

By  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  Taylor, 

W.  W.  S.  Bliss,  AssH  Adft  General 

Although  the  object  and  destination  of  our  march  had  been  well 
understood  by  all,  yet  this  was  the  first  plain  intimation,  pubhshed 
by  the  general,  in  which  there  was  no  mistaking  the  nature  and 
character  of  the  service  before  us.  As  the  orders  were  read,  a 
murmur  of  approbation  ran  through  the  long  lines  of  infantry, 
which  presented  a  pageantry  of  arms  seldom  witnessed.  After 
the  parade  was  dismissed,  a  buzz  of  gaiety  and  liveliness  prevailed. 
In  the  camp  of  the  Rangers,  the  men  w^ere  occupied  parching 
coffee,  arranging  their  wallets  and  pack-saddles,  and  cleaning  their 
arms.  That  eight  days'  provisions  were  to  be  carried  with  us, 
was  a  sufficient  guarantee  that  we  were  not  to  make  a  speedy  re- 
turn. Orders  were  received  that  day  from  Washington,  announc- 
ing the  promotions  and  brevets  for  the  battles  of  the  8th  and  9th; 
and  among  the  young  officers  there  was  much  joy  and  merry-mak- 
ing in  honour  of  the  occasion. 

After  our  usual  bath  in  the  beautiful  river,  we  strolled  down  to 
the  plaza,  where  many  of  the  officers  were  walking  for  pleasure. 
It  was  a  lovely  night,  and  the  Mexican  maidens  were  looking  out  • 
from  the  doors  and  windows  upon  the  moonlight  scene,  while  the 
music  of  the  band  of  the  "  eighth"  lent  additional  charms  to  the 
beauty  of  the  scene. 


126  THE   MARCH.  1 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th  of  September,  according  to  orders, 
the  advance  took  up  the  line  of  march  for  Marin,  where  it  was 
expected  we  would  meet  with  a  large  Mexican  force.  The  ad- 
vance was  composed  as  follows  :  McCulloch's  Rangers,  Capt.  Pike 
Graham's  squadron  of  dragoons,  and  a  company  of  pioneers,  num- 
bering about  eighty  men,  followed  by  two  wagons,  the  whole  under 
the  command  of  Capt.  Craig,  of  the  3d  Infantry.  Capt.  Williams, 
accompanied  by  Lieuts.  Meade  and  Wood,  of  the  engineers,  also 
joined  us.  At  12,  m.,  we  arrived  at  Rancho  Carrisito,  where  we 
nooned  it.  We  then  proceeded  on  to  our  old  camp  ground  near 
the  creek,  thirteen  miles  from  Serralvo,  where  we  encamped  for 
the  night.  This  is  a  beautiful  spot,  which,  in  our  haste,  on  our 
former  visits  we  had  no  opportunity  to  describe.  It  is  the  first 
large  stream  you  come  to  after  leaving  Carrisito.  Being  a  rocky 
branch  winding  among  the  hills,  the  south  end  of  the  stream  runs 
through  a  deep  ravine,  on  the  west  side  of  which  is  a  perpendi- 
cular rock  of  limestone  about  sixty  feet  high.  From  the  base  of 
this  rock,  a  hundred  streams  gush  out  from  the  crevices,  forming 
cool  crystal  springs.  On  the  east  side  is  a  high  ledge  of  rock, 
projecting  so  as  to  form  a  half  cave,  where  there  is  a  deep  basin 
of  water,  making  a  delightful  bathing-place,  and  in  which  many 
of  our  men  luxuriated. 

At  sundown,  a  strong  picket-guard  was  posted  in  the  advance, 
about  one  mile  and  a  half  from  camp,  and  we  were  detailed  as 
one  of  the  guard.  We  concealed  ourselves  by  the  side  of  the 
road  in  the  chaparral,  where,  on  our  horses,  we  kept  a  look-out  all 
night,  dismounting  occasionally  to  rest  them.  Nothing  of  interest 
occurred,  however,  all  having  remained  quiet  throughout  the  night. 
At  daylight  on  the  13th,  our  company  came  up  to  us,  when  we 
pushed  on  with  them,  without  breakfast,  and  tired  and  sleepy  as 
we  were.  It  was  a  fine  clear  cool  morning,  and  as  we  had  to  stop 
occasionally  for  the  pioneers  to  prepare  and  cut  out  the  road  for 
the  artillery,  we  did  not  reach  Papagayo  until  about  l,p.  m.,  when 
we  halted  for  them  to  come  up.  In  the  mean  time,  Capt.  McCul- 
loch  proceeded  on  with  a  detachment  of  fifteen  men  to  reconnoitre. 
After  proceeding  about  four  miles  along  a  ridge,  over  which  the 
road  lay,  the  enemy  was  discovered  at  the  base  of  an  opposite 
hill.  On  perceiving  our  party,  they  retreated  to  the  top  of  the 
hill  to  the  number  of  about  eighty,  where  they  stood  awaiting  our 
movements,  at  the  same  time  prancing  about  on  their  horses,  and 
waving  their  swords  in  defiance.  The  challenge  was  answered 
in  return,  but  they,  fearing  a  concealed  force,  did  not  dare  to  ap- 
proach; while  on  our  part,  our  nunibers  were  too  few  to  risk  a 
skirmish,  as  the  enemy  in  sight  was  supposed  to  be  the  picket- 
guard  of  a  large  force.     Under  these  circumstances,  the  detach- 


SCOUT   TO    RAMOS.  127 

ment  returned,  and  reported  to  Capt.  Craig.  An  express  was 
immediately  despatched  to  Gen.  Taylor,  for  the  First  Division  to 
hasten  up  by  a  forced  march,  as  an  attack  was  apprehended.  The 
Rangers  took  possession  of  the  houses  at  the  rancho,  the  women 
having  left,  and  there  being  but  two  or  three  Mexicans  about  the 
place.  We  killed  all  the  chickens  about,  but  not  without  paying 
twenty-five  cents  a  piece  for  them,  and  at  sundown  the  men  pre- 
pared supper.  The  infantry,  composed  of  the  pioneers,  were  then 
posted  on  the  other  side  of  the  road  on  a  high  eminence,  where 
stood  a  little  jacal,  for  defence,  while  the  dragoons  encamped  be- 
low them.  Great  excitement  prevailed  in  camp,  and  it  was 
thought  that  an  engagement  with  the  enemy  would  certainly  take 
place  on  the  morrow.  Accordingly,  the  arrival  of  the  First  Divi* 
sion  was  looked  for  with  much  anxiety.  It  was  ascertained  that 
one  of  the  Mexicans  at  the  rancho  was  a  spy,  and  after  selling  out 
all  the  chickens,  he  had  slipped  off  to  give  information  to  the 
enemy.  An  advance  and  rear-guard  were  now  posted,  and  the 
men  lay  by  their  arms  all  night  to  prevent  a  surprise. 

The  day  of  the  14th  dawned,  without  an  incident  having  occur- 
red, the  Mexicans  not  having  had  the  temerity  to  attack  us.  After 
breakfast,  we  were  ordered  into  the  saddle  on  a  scout  towards 
Ramos,  a  little  town  about  eight  miles  distant,  west  course.  One 
mile  from  camp,  we  dismounted,  and  left  the  pack-mules  in 
charge  of  some  five  or  six  men,  and  then  proceeded  on.  The 
men  were  in  high  spirits,  and  felt  sure  that  this  time  they  would 
have  a  brush  with  the  enemy.  After  advancing  three  miles  far- 
ther, in  rising  a  httle  hill,  we  discovered  the  tracks  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  where  they  had  shown  themselves  the  day  before.  Here 
we  divided  our  force,  and  fifteen  men  were  detailed  to  go  in  the  ad- 
vance with  Capt.  McCulloch,  while  the  main  body  was  left  in 
charge  of  Lieut.  Kelly,  who  received  orders  to  remain  behind  for 
a  certain  time,  when  they  were  to  come  up  and  halt  at  a  turn  in 
the  road,  and  there  wait  for  a  signal.  The  advance  continued  on, 
and  after  proceeding  about  a  mile,  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy, 
within  long  rifle-shot.  Several  fires  were  exchanged  on  both  sides, 
when  McCulloch  waving  his  sword,  as  if  motioning  to  an  army 
in  the  rear,  galloped  after  them,  and  drove  the  enemy  from  their 
position  to  another  hill.  In  the  mean  time,  the  main  body  had 
come  up,  and  were  now  ordered  to  deploy  around  a  hill  to  the 
right,  so  as  to  keep  out  of  sight  of  the  enemy,  and  come  in  at 
another  point  in  the  road,  and  again  wait  for  a  signal.  In  order  to 
do  this,  they  had  to  cross  a  deep  ravine,  the  sides  of  which  were 
lined  with  thick  chaparral  and  entangled  vines,  making  the  task 
by  no  means  an  easy  one,  but  notwithstanding  it  was  accomphshed. 
The  road  now  ran  along  the  base  of  a  ridge  of  hills  on  our  right, 


128 


A    SKIRMISH. 


with  occasional  ones  on  our  left,  forming  passes.  Our  advanco 
had  proceeded  this  far,  and  drove  the  enemy's  scouts  back  to  their 
main  force.  While  reconnoitering  here,  Capt.  McCulloch,  who 
was  on  a  high  hill  to  the  right,  discovered  some  twenty  of  the 
enemy  lying  in  ambush  in  the  bottom  below;  at  the  same  time,  the 
gallant  young  Thomas,  of  Baltimore,  who  was  in  pursuit  of  a 
Mexican  officer,  having  shot  at  him  once,  was  rushing  on  at  a 
break-neck  pace,  into  the  very  arms  of  the  ambuscade.  A  mo- 
ment more,  and  he  was  lost.  Capt.  McCulloch,  with  that  pre- 
sence of  mind  which  never  forsakes  him,  seeing  his  danger,  raised 
his  sword  as  if  beckoning  to  a  large  force  to  come  up,  at  the  same 
time  dashing  towards  them  himself.  The  Mexicans  seeing  the 
movement,  thought  they  would  not  have  time  to  make  Thomas  a 
prisoner,  before  being  surrounded  them.selves,  so  giving  him  their 
fire,  they  fled  ;  strange  to  say,  however,  it  did  not  take  effect.  And 
by  this  ruse  poor  young  Thomas  was  saved,  only  however  to 
participate  in  a  more  glorious  action,  and  to  meet  in  the  most  gal- 
lant manner  a  soldier's  death.  A  horseman  was  then  despatched 
to  order  up  the  main  body,  who,  having  heard  the  firing,  were 
waiting  with  the  most  restless  anxiety  and  excitement  for  orders 
from  the  advance.  No  sooner  did  the  courier  come  in  sight,  than 
he  beckoned  them  to  follow  him.  On  they  dashed  in  fine  style, 
with  a  shout  that  echoed  over  the  hills,  and  raising  a  dust  which 
might  have  been  taken  for  the  advent  of  a  regiment  of  dragoons, 
while  the  Mexicans  hastily  retreated  before  us. 

Capt.  McCullcch  now  pushed  on  with  the  advance,  until  within 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  Ramos,  where  he  again  came  up  with  the 
enemy,  at  about  some  hundred  yards  distant.  Here  they  opened 
a  heavy  fire  upon  us  with  their  escopetas,  or  carbines,  which  was 
returned  by  our  boys  in  the  most  spirited  manner,  killing  one  and 
wounding  two  of  the  enemy ;  while  on  our  part  not  a  man  was 
touched,  a  horse  only  being  slightly  wounded  in  the  neck.  The 
Mexicans  staggered  at  our  fire,  and  retreated  to  the  town  in  the 
greatest  confusion.  A  shout  of  triumph  from  the  Rangers  rose 
wildly  on  the  air,  and,  filled  with  excitement,  and  an  impetuosity 
that  was  impossible  to  restrain,  they  rushed  on,  pursuing  the 
enemy  into  the  very  town  of  Ramos,  charging  through  and  driving 
them  out  of  it  to  a  high  hill.  Nor  did  the  Mexicans  stop  until 
they  reached  the  top  of  it,  when  they  stood  for  a  moment  in  evi- 
dent terror  and  dismay,  expecting  that  they  were  pursued  by  a 
thousand  cavalry  at  least.  To  show  how  hot  was  the  chase,  they 
had  barely  time  to  leave  their  wounded  in  the  town  ;  and  as  it 
was,  we  made  a  prisoner,  and  captured  a  scopet  which  one  of  the 
enemy  dropped  in  his  flight.  We  could  distinctly  see  about  two 
hundred  men,  a  detachment  of  Torrejon's  cavalry,  commanded 


ARRIVAL    OF   THE   FIRST  DIVISION.        -  129 

by  Carrasco ;  and  fearing  the  rash  act  might  yet  cost  us  dearly, 
Capt.  McCulloch  slowly  retired  from  the  town  with  his  men,  to 
the  mountain  pass,  in  order  to  prevent  our  being  cut  off,  as  the 
enemy  was  making  some  demonstration  of  winding  around  the 
hills  in  that  direction.  We  however  met  with  no  opposition,  and 
proceeded  back  towards  camp ;  about  four  miles  from  which  we 
discovered  a  large  force  on  the  top  of  a  hill,  which  proved  to  be 
Capt.  Graham's  dragoons.  Thus  with  our  little  force  of  only 
forty  men,  and  with  only  fifteen  in  the  advance,  we  chased  and 
routed,  for  six  miles,  two  hundred  of  the  enemy  ! 

This  was  our  first  regular  skirmish,  and  it  was  considered  the 
opening  of  the  fall  campaign.  The  command  here  came  to  a  halt, 
while  a  detachment  of  men  were  sent  back  after  our  pack-mules. 
We  proceeded  on  with  the  prisoner  in  our  charge,  and  on  our 
arrival,  found  that  Gen.  Taylor  had  come  up  with  the  artillery, 
cavalry,  and  infantry  of  the  First  Division,  having  arrived  sooa 
after  our  departure  by  a  forced  march.  We  delivered  the  prisoner 
over  to  the  General,  and  on  interrogating  the  Mexican,  it  was 
ascertained  from  him  that  at  Marin,  nine  miles  from  Ramos,  there 
were  about  1500  cavalry  under  Gen.  Torrejon.  The  news  of 
our  scout  created  quite  an  excitement  in  camp,  and  all  were  in  a 
feverish  state  of  anxiety  to  learn  the  particulars.  To  one  uncon- 
nected with  the  army,  or  who  never  marched  against  an  enemy, 
no  idea  can  be  formed  of  the  almost  painful  excitement  that  is  cre- 
ated with  the  centre  and  rear  ranks  to  learn  what  is  going  on  in 
the  advance.  Thus  they  are  continually  kept  in  suspense  and 
anxiety  to  learn  the  cause  w'henever  a  halt  is  called,  a  movement 
made,  or  any  event  occurring  which  they  do  not  understand ;  and 
on  this  account  all  reports  and  rumors  from  the  advance  are  re- 
ceived with  the  greatest  interest  and  eagerness. 

It  was  now  about  two  o'clock,  p.  m.  The  officers  of  the  First 
Division  were  sitting  about  in  squads,  taking  a  lunch.  The 
General  was  sitting  on  a  camp-stool  under  the  shade  of  a  tree, 
with  his  staff  and  other  officers  around  him,  who  were  laughing 
and  joking  over  the  adventures  of  our  scout.  All  seemed  so 
pleasant,  and  in  such  high  spirits,  that  the  scene  bore  more  the 
resemblance  of  a  "pic-nic"  party  than  that  of  a  hostile  invading 
army.  After  partaking  of  a  lunch  with  the  officers,  the  detach- 
ment returned  with  the  pack-mules  to  where  we  met  the  dragoons, 
and  encamped  for  the  night  about  one  hundred  yards  from  the 
road,  near  a  beautiful  stream  of  water,  where  the  men  prepared 
supper.  A  strong  guard  was  posted  around  the  camp,  and  a 
picket  sent  out  a  mile  in  the  advance.  The  men  were  much 
fatigued  with  the  morning's  amusement,  and  although  quite  a 
heavy  rain  had  fallen  in  the  early  part  of  the  night,  yet  they  slept 


^180  MARCH  OF    THE    SECOND    DIVISION. 

as  soundly  on  the  ground  as  if  they  had  been  enjoying  the  Com- 
forts of  their  own  happy  homes. 

The  army  had  moved  on,  in  accordance  with  the  pubhshed 
orders,  two  companies  of  the  Mississippi  regiment  having  been 
left  behind  to  garrison  the  town  of  Serralvo.  Having  brought  the 
First  Division  up  with  the  advance,  we  must  go  back  after  the 
Second,  and  we  here  give  to  the  reader  Mr.  HaiJe's  account  of  its 
movements. 

"  Second  Division  of  the  select  six  thousand — march  from  Ser- 
ralvo  to  Monterey. 

"  Sept.  14. — The  Second  Division,  under  Gen.  Worth,  which  was 
ordered  to  march  to-day — the  First  Division,  under  Gen.  Twiggs, 
having  marched  yesterday — had  just  placed  their  personal  cloth- 
ing and  accoutrements  in  convenient  conditions  for  packing 
yesterday  evening,  when  they  were  called  out  for  inspection, 
orderhes,  servants,  and  all,  leaving  their  tents  unattended.  Just 
as  Gen.  Worth  appeared  on  the  field,  a  heavy  rain,  accom- 
panied with  wind,  commenced,  and,  prostrating  many  of  the  tents, 
soaked  every  thing  in  camp.  At  two  o'clock  this  morning  the 
reveille  beat,  and  the  poor  fellows,  with  all  their  duds  still  wet, 
commenced  their  preparations  for  the  march.  The  tents  were  at 
once  struck  and  packed — wagons  were  brought  up  to  receive  the 
tent  poles,  camp  kettles,  &c.,  private  mules  and  pack-horses  were 
harnessed — camp  women,  with  children  at  the  breast,  and  of  all 
sizes,  packed  themselves  and  little  ones  upon  Mexican  mules  and 
ponies,  and,  by  daylight,  the  column  was  in  motion.  The  rear- 
guard did  not  get  off  until  eleven  o'clock.  The  day  has  been 
exceedingly  warm.  We  have  marched  twelve  miles,  over  a 
country  different  in  every  respect  from  any  I  have  ever  before 
seen.  The  shrubbery  and  plants  are  entirely  new  to  me,  with  the 
exception  of  the  eternal  cactus,  which  grows  all  over  Mexico,  in  a 
hundred  varieties.  The  wild  olive,  and  a  white,  round-leafed 
shrub  with  pink-coloured  blossoms,  caver  the  mountains  and  table- 
lands. We  have  crossed  five  or  six  clear,  cool  streams  to-day, 
and  are  now  encamped  upon  the  brow  of  a  ravine,  down  which 
runs  a  spring  brook." 

"  15. — We  are  now  about  fourteen  miles  from  Marin.  We 
passed  a  few  moments  since  a  rancho  which  had  just  been  de- 
serted in  great  haste — the  cows,  goats  and  chickens  having  been 
left  behind.  We  left  camp  this  morning  at  four  o'clock.  Our 
way  has  led  along  the  foot  of  a  mountain  which  rises  on  our  right 
to  a  height  of  2500  to  3000  feet.  We  hkewise  have  a  mountain 
on  our  left,  of  nearly  the  same  height.  These  two  mountains  con- 
verge before  us,  and  descend  at  the  same  time,  to  about  the  level  of 


MARCH    OF   THE    SECOND  DIVISION.  131 

the  table-lands  upon  which  we  now  are.  But  far  in  the  distance 
before  us  rises  the  Sierra  Madres,  higher  and  more  majestic  than 
any  we  have  before  seen.  Our  march  has  been  over  a  very  bad 
road  to-day.  Up  hill  and  down — all  rocks  and  pebbles,  ravines 
and  mines.  The  whole  country  over  which  we  have  to-day  tra- 
velled is  covered  with  aged  *  Spanish  bayonet'  trees — a  species 
of  palm,  each  leaf  of  which  is  pointed  with  a  sharp  thorn.  Some 
of  these  trees  are  two  and  a  half  to  three  feet  in  diameter,  and 
must  be  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  years  old.  As 
we  reached  this  camping  place,  an  express  came  in  from  Gen. 
Taylor,  directing  this  division  to  join  him  at  Marin  by  a  forced 
march.  We  are  therefore  bivouacked,  ready  to  march  at  a 
moment's  warning.  It  seems  that  the  Mexicans  are  assembled  in 
force,  between  here  and  Monterey,  and  it  is  rumored  that  Santa 
Anna  himself  is  in  the  field.  There  is  no  doubt  about  there  being 
a  strong  force  at  Monterey,  and  Gen.  Taylor  therefore  directs  that 
the  First  and  Second  Divisions  shall  join  to-morrow,  and  march  be- 
fore the  town.  Capt.  Graham,  of  the  dragoons,  had  a  skirmish 
last  night,  near  Marin,  with  some  Mexican  videttes,  and  killed  one 
or  two,  and  took  two  or  three  more  prisoners.  As  I  have  said 
before,  it  is  the  opinion  of  most  of  the  officers  that  a  harder  fight 
is  in  store  than  has  before  taken  place.  Gen.  Worth  keeps  his 
division  always  in  readiness,  so  that  he  could  hardly  be  surprised, 
by  night  or  day.  Last  night  a  sort  of  stampede  was  got  up  in 
camp,  and  we  shall  have  another  to-night,  of  course.  I  cannot 
help  thinking  that  if  an  alarm  were  to  come  off  to-night,  a  most 
singular  scene  would  follow.  We  are  bivouacked  in  a  thicket 
of  trees,  or  large  shrubs,  all  of  which  have  thorns.  To  walk 
through  them  without  stooping  and  dodging  about  to  avoid  the 
thorns  is  impossible.  Horses  and  mules  are  tied  by  long  lassos, 
in  every  direction.  The  whole  thicket,  as  well  as  the  road  for 
half  a  mile,  is  filled  with  men  stretched  out  on  blankets,  chatting 
about  the  probabiHties  of  a  fight — some  predicting  that  no  such 
happiness  is  in  reserve  for  them,  whilst  others  of  more  experience 
think  differently.  Gen.  Taylor  enters  Marin  to-night,  and  will 
there  consolidate  his  httle  army.  We  march  to-morrow  morning 
at  half-past  three." 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  above  letter,  that  resistance  was  expected 
to  be  met  with  at  Marin,  and  in  consequence  of  which  the  Second 
Division  was  ordered  to  come  up  by  a  forced  march.  TJie  reader 
will  perceive  also  that  it  was  McCuUoch's  men,  who  had  the 
skirmish^  instead  of  Graham's  dragoons.  But  this  only  shows 
how  rumors  and  reports  change  by  the  repetition  of  a  thousand 
tongues. 


132  THE   WOUNDED   MEXICAN. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Description  of  Ramos — The  wounded  Mexican — The  Charity  and  Benevolence 
of  the  Texas  Rangers — Arrival  at  Marin — Evacuation  of  the  Town  by  the 
Mexican  Troops — Description  of  the  Country,  and  Marin — A  Mexican  Din- 
ner— The  Great  Western — Scenes  and  Incidents — An  Express  from  the 
Spanish  Consul — Camp  at  Marin — Capture  of  a  Spy — Ampudia's  Letter  and 
Circular — Scout  to  Pescaria  Chica — Incident — Zacatecas — Agua  Frio — 
Arrival  at  San  Francisco — The  whole  Army  Encamped — Arrival  of  Gen. 
Henderson  with  the  Texas  Rangers — Scenes  and  Preparations — March  of  the 
Army  towards  Monterey — Arrival  before  the  Fortifications  of  the  City — 
View  of  the  Valley  of  Monterey — Demonstration  by  the  Mexican  Cavalry — 
The  opening  of  the  Enemy's  Batteries — The  Reconnoissance— Camp  at 
Walnut  Springs — The  Night  Expedition — Prisoners — Scene  at  the  Guard 
Fires. 

On  the  15th  day  of  September,  we  resumed  our  march  at  sunrise, 
the  whole  of  the  First  Division  having  come  up  to  our  camp.  In 
consequence  of  having  to  wait  occasionally  for  the  pioneers  to  come 
up,  who  were  working  the  road,  we  travelled  very  slowly.  At  8, 
A.  M.,  we  arrived  at  Ramos,  where  we  purchased  some  corn  for 
our  horses  from  an  old  man.  The  town  was  nearly  desolate — all 
but  a  few  of  the  inhabitants  having  deserted  it.  The  place  con- 
tains about  some  forty  houses,  principally  built  of  stone,  with 
nothing  particularly  attractive  about  it.  In  one  of  the  houses  we 
found  a  wounded  Mexican,  who  had  been  shot  in  the  skirmish  of 
yesterday.  Several  of  our  men  went  in  to  see  him,  and  feeling  very 
sorry  for  the  poor  fellow,  gave  him  money  as  they  took  his  hand 
to  bid  him  good-bye.  An  old  woman  and  a  young  girl  attended 
his  bedside,  and  on  seeing  the  feeling  exhibited  by  the  Rangers 
towards  one  of  their  enemies,  took  the  hands  of  their  benefactors 
and  bathed  them  with  the  tears  of  gratitude.  It  was  indeed  a 
most  touching  scene.  And  we  never  shall  forget  the  long,  wistful 
gaze  the  girl  gave  us,  as  we  parted  from  her  at  the  door,  while 
her  soul  seemed  to  offer  up  a  prayer  for  our  kindness. 

We  continued  on  towards  Marin,  keeping  some  five  miles  in  the 
advance,  passing  through  a  most  beautiful  rolling  country,  with 
the  mountains  rising  far  in  the  distance.  The  road  now  became 
more  level  and  even  than  any  we  had  passed  over,  and  conse- 
quently the  pioneers  were  enabled  to  travel  faster.  When  within 
about  a  mile  of  Marin,  the  scenery  that  presented  itself  was  mag- 
nificent in  the  extreme.  On  our  right  rose  the  tall  peaks  of  the 
Sierra  Alvo,  about  some  three  thousand  feet  high,  running  nearly 
east  and  west,  while  before  us  were  the  majestic  and  towering 
peaks  of  the  Sierra  Madre,  ranging  north  and  south,  of  every 
shape,  forming  battlements,  leaning  towers,  obelisks,  and  steeples 


APPROACH   TO  MARIN.  133 

which  seemed  almost  to  pierce  the  heavens.  Again,  on  our  left, 
another  chain  of  mountains  reared  their  lofty  summits  towards  the 
blue  sky,  the  whole  composing,  as  it  were,  a  semicircle,  and  pre- 
senting a  scene  of  grandeur  and  surpassing  beauty  which  filled 
one  with  involuntary  awe  and  admiration,  while  the  soul  became 
enwrapped  and  lost,  as  it  were,  in  contemplating  the  masterly 
works  of  nature. 

About  10,  A.  M.,  we  arrived  in  sight  of  Marin,  which,  in  the  dis- 
tance, resembled  a  country  seat,  with  beautiful  gardens  and  parks. 
"  On  reaching  the  hill,"  says  Mr.  Kendall,  "  overlooking  the  town, 
eight  hundred  or  a  thousand  yards  distant,  we  came  in  plain  sight 
of  a  large  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  ranged  in  their  principal 
street,  and  evidently  much  flurried  by  our  appearance.  They 
were  armed  with  new  escopetas  and  lances,  and  among  the  uni- 
forms were  many  of  bright  scarlet. 

"  With  a  force  entirely  too  small  to  approach  nearer — having 
only  twenty-five  men  with  him — McCulloch  ordered  a  halt.  The 
plaza  was  concealed  from  sight  by  the  church  and  the  adjoining 
buildings,  making  it  impossible  to  tell  whether  there  were  any 
infantry  or  artillery  in  the  town  or  not.  The  place  oflfered  every 
opportunity  for  concealing  an  enemy  of  thousands  ;  and  as  our 
commander  was  not  so  particularly  certain  that  the  Mexicans 
might  not  send  an  eighteen-pound  shot,  or  some  missile  of  the 
kind,  up  our  way  on  a  flying  visit,  we  were  ordered  to  scatter  a 
little  along  the  brow  of  the  hill.  Scouts,  in  the  mean  time,  were 
sent  out  to  prevent  a  party  from  getting  in  our  rear,  as  the  advance 
of  Gen.  Taylor  was  still  several  miles  off. 

"  For  an  hour  we  sat  watching  the  hurried  movements  of  the 
cavalry  in  the  town,  unable  to  make  out  their  intentions.  Horse- 
men were  plainly  seen  dashing  and  cavorting  about,  while  men  on 
foot  were  jumping  to  get  out  of  their  way.  Several  greasers— ^ 
Mexicans  of  the  lower  order,  dressed  in  greasy  buckskin — were 
taken  in  the  chaparral  close  by  us,  or  voluntarily  came  up,  who 
stated  that  the  parly  below  us  was  commanded  by  Gen.  Torre j on, 
who  had  driven  them  out  of  the  place  and  had  threatened  to 
destroy  their  houses  by  fire  before  los  Americanos  should  gain 
possession.  They  pointed  out  their  jacales  and  casas  to  us, 
and  implored  our  assistance  in  saving  them !  Singular  war  this, 
and  more  singular  the  people  ! 

"  In  about  an  hour  the  cavalry  began  to  move  off  in  order, 
taking  the  route  towards  Monterey,  now  indistinctly  seen  lying 
at  the  foot  of  a  large  mountain  ten  or  eleven  leagues  off.  Their 
rear  had  not  yet  left  the  place  before  McCulloch,  accompanied 
only  by  Col.  Peyton,  was  dogging  after  them,  intent  on  watching 
their  movements.     In  half  an  hour's  time  our  captain  appeared 

12 


134  DESCRIPTION    OF   MARIN. 

near  the  main  street  and  beckoned  us  down,  and  in  five  minutes 
more  we  were  all  in  the  plaza.  Nearly  every  house  was  closed, 
and  the  few  men  we  met — for  the  women  had  all  been  taken  off — 
greeted  us  as  amigos,  or  friends,  with  their  hats  in  their  hands. 
One  old  fellow,  hving  in  a  large  house  next  door  to  the  church, 
said  he  had  been  beaten— severely  beaten — after  we  appeared  in 
the  night,  by  some  of  Torrejon's  officers,  to  induce  him  to  leave ; 
but,  regardless  of  blows,  he  had  determined  to  stick  by  his  pre- 
mises and  property.  All  the  inhabitants  had  been  shamefully 
abused,  their  property  taken  from  them,  and  they  were  then 
driven  into  the  chaparral ;  and  we  were  told  that  in  an  hour's  time 
more,  had  our  company  not  appeared  in  sight,  they  would  have 
set  fire  to  the  place. 

"  Such  is  the  pohcy  which  has  been  adopted,  and  such  the 
course  pursued  by  Torrejon  at  every  rancho  and  town  since  the 
army  left  Serralvo.  To  drive  off  the  inhabitants  and  destroy  all 
the  supplies  on  the. road  is  the  game  they  are  now  playing,  cer- 
tainly determining  to  harass  Gen.  Taylor  if  they  do  not  intend  to 
fight  him.  The  Mexicans  all  along  on  the  road  spoke  confidently 
that  Gen.  Taylor  would  meet  with  stout  resistance  at  this  place ; 
but  the  force  we  met  only  amounted  to  some  eight  hundred  or  a 
thousand  cavalry,  and  they  started  off  without  firing  a  gun." 

The  town  is  most  sublimely  situated  on  a  beautiful  piece  of 
table-land,  surrounded  by  the  mountains  ;  it  is  a  lovely  little  place, 
and  contains  several  very  handsome  buildings  ;  also,  a  church, 
which  is  well  built  of  white  free-stone,  the  handsomest  one  we  had 
yet  seen.  Its  beautiful  white  steeple  contrasted  finely  with  its 
cornices  and  turrets,  which  were  tipped  with  red,  and  we  almost 
imagined  that  we  were  in  some  little  New  England  village.  The 
houses  were  neatly  built,  and  no  doubt,  from  the  tapestry  of  the 
walls,  they  had  been  furnished  accordingly.  On  the  south  side 
of  the  town  there  is  a  clever  stream  of  water,  but  not  very  good, 
being  discoloured  by  limestone,  which  gives  it  an  unpleasant  taste. 
They,  however,  have  most  excellent  well  water  here.  The  wells 
are  very  deep,  and,  instead  of  having  a  crank  to  draw  the  water, 
the  Mexicans  use  a  pulley,  and  walk  ofT  with  the  end  of  the  rope, 
instead  of  hauling  the  bucket  up  by  the  hand.  The  water  was  clear, 
and  as  cool  as  ice,  which  was  perfect  nectar  to  the  men  after  our 
hot  ride.  The  few  stores  that  were  in  the  place  were  all  deserted, 
presenting  only  empty  shelves. 

It  was  now  about  noon,  and  Gen.  Taylor  having  come  up  with 
the  First  Division,  the  town  was  soon  filled  with  our  troops.  All 
felt  hungry,  but  with  very  little  prospect  of  satisfying  our  appe- 
tites, as  it  was  not  yet  known  from  head-quarters  what  was  to 
be  our  next  movement.     On  entering  a  house  on  the  corner  of  the 


A   MEXICAN    DINNER.  135 

plaza,  we  found  an  old  lady  who  seemed  perfectly  delighted  at  the 
arrival  of  our  troops,  and,  to  our  surprise,  we  saw  a  table  set  out, 
which,  from  its  looks,  had  been  spread  with  a  fine  dinner;  and  so 
it  turned  out ;  for  the  old  lady  told  us  that  she  had  been  ordered 
to  prepare  dinner  for  some  of  the  Mexican  officers,  and  that,  on 
our  appearance,  they  took  what  they  could  from  the  table  and  left, 
being  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  stay  and  finish  their  meal.  She  ap- 
peared well  pleased  at  their  discomfiture,  and  poured  forth  a 
volume  of  vituperation  against  them  generally,  and  Gen.  Torrejon 
especially,  who,  she  said,  had  ordered  fifteen  beeves  to  be  killed 
the  night  previous,  and  had  up  as  many  more  for  slaughter, 
"They  carried  off  every  thing  they  could,"  said  she,  "and  never 
paid  me  a  cent."  She  then  brought  in  the  balance  of  the  dinner, 
consisting  of  roast  beef,  tortillas,  pepper  sauce,  and  onions,  and 
frijolas,  or  red  beans.  We  sat  down  to  the  table  with  several 
officers,  and  had  a  most  glorious  repast,  for  which  we  amply  paid 
the  old  lady. 

In  the  afternoon  Gen.  Taylor  moved  with  the  First  Division, 
and  encamped  about  two  miles  westward  from  town,  near  a  litt!e 
stream,  the  head-waters  of  the  San  Juan.  The  dragoons  occupied 
the  plaza,  while  the  Rangers  encamped  near  them  in  a  large  lot 
or  yard.  That  night  the  men  were  "  in  for  a  good  sleep,^^  as 
they  expressed  it,  and  spreading  their  blankets  on  the  clean 
ground,  lay  smoking  their  pipes  and  talking  over  the  rumors 
and  news  of  the  day,  until  the  camp  gradually  became  wrapped 
in  slumber. 

On  the  morning  of  the  16th,  we  moved  to  the  banks  of  the  San 
Juan,  near  the  camp  of  the  First  Division.  Gen.  Worth,  with  the 
Second  Division,  came  up  this  morning  and  joined  us.  To  give 
the  reader  an  idea  of  some  of  the  scenes  of  a  marching  army,  we 
give  the  following  graphic  sketch  by  our  friend  Haile.  Mrs. 
Bourdett,  the  "  Heroine  of  Fort  Brown,"  here  spoken  of,  but  bet- 
ter known  in  the  army  as  the  "  Great  Western,"  catered  for  the 
officers  of  the  5th  Infantry. 

"  The  heroine  of  Fort  Brown,  or  '  Great  Western,'  is  in  the 
crowd.  She  drives  two  Mexican  ponies  in  a  light  wagon,  and 
carries  the  apparatus  and  necessaries  for  her  mess,  which  now 
numbers  about  a  dozen  young  officers.  There  are  a  number  of 
women  along,  with  young  children.  One  soldier  is  leading  a 
pony,  with  two  httle  children,  two  and  three  years  old,  strapped 
fast  to  the  saddle,  one  on  each  side,  hke  panniers.  The  poor  httle 
things  are  sadly  sunburnt,  and  look  thin  and  half  starved,  but  they 
are  as  gay  as  larks,  and  even  their  little  faces  are  turned  in  child- 
ish astonishment  towards  the  lofty  mountains  that  rise  hke  great 
clouds  before  us." 


136 

A  great  many  of  the  Mexicans  had  come  into  town  from  the 
chaparral,  where  they  had  hid  themselves,  and  were  now  sup- 
plying the  camp  with  tortillas^  sweet  cakes,  and  melons,  besides 
fodder,  com,  and  grass,  for  our  horses.  The  picket-guard  of  the 
Rangers,  stationed  about  a  mile  in  the  advance,  captured  a  pack- 
mule  this  morning,  laden  with  baggage,  which  proved  the  source 
of  much  merriment  to  our  men.  We  give  Mr.  Kendall's  account 
of  the  affair. 

"  We  had  a  funny  scene  in  our  company,  this  afternoon.  Two 
or  three  of  the  men,  while  out  on  picket,  found  a  mule  load  of  bag- 
gage belonging  to  a  Mexican  officer.  The  animal  had  probably 
stampeded  during  the  retreat  of  the  day  before,  and  Torrejon's 
men  were  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  hunt  up  runaway  mules.  The 
letters  found  would  show  that  the  owner  was  Don  Ignacio  some- 
thing or  other,  captain  of  the  third  company  of  Guanajuato  cav- 
alry, and  to  set  forth  that  Don  Ignacio  was  a  man  of  some  conse- 
quence, he  had  a  scarlet  coat  of  the  finest  broadcloth,  covered  with 
pure  silver  buttons,  ornamented  with  rich  silver  embroidery,  and 
upon  the  breast  of  which  was  an  order.  His  cap  was  of  blue  velvet, 
richly  ornamented  with  silver  band  and  tassels,  while  his  cavalry 
pantaloons,  of  blue  broadcloth  foxed  with  morocco,  had  a  wide 
stripe  of  red  down  their  outer  seams.  Among  the  baggage  was 
also  a  mattrass,  several  pillows,  the  cases  of  which  were  elabo- 
rately worked,  and  other  fine  bed-furniture  ;  in  addition  to  all  this, 
as  if  this  were  not  enough,  there  were  some  half  a  dozen  red, 
green,  and  figured  petticoats,  a  dozen  pair  of  beautiful  little  pink, 
blue,  and  white  satin  slippers,  to  say  nothing  of  a  dozen  neatly 
wrought  linen  camisas— all  the  wardrobe  of  some  pretty  Pohlana 
girl,  who  had  doubtless  followed  Don  Ignacio  to  the  wars. 

"  After  all  this  '  large  and  elegant  assortment '  had  been  opened, 
our  orderly  sergeant — the  son  of  a  member  of  Congress  from  Ten- 
nessee— rigged  himself  out  in  the  showy  uniform  of  the  Mexican 
officer,  and  strutted  forth  to  detail  a  picket-guard,  decidedly  the 
best  dressed  man  in  the  invading  army,  from  Gen.  Taylor  down. 
In  the  mean  time,  there  were  others  who  girt  the  Poblano's  petti- 
coats about  them,  and  then  executed  divers  cracoviennes  and  ca- 
chucas,  to  the  great  amusement  of  the  bystanders,  and  to  the  great 
danger  of  stampeding  all  our  horses.  Altogether,  the  scene  was 
extremely  diverting,  and  I  put  it  down  as  a  little  episode  in  the 
life  we  have  led  of  late. 

"  The  letters  found  were  principally  from  the  family  of  tho 
officer,  but  there  w^as  one  from  Gen.  Cortazar,  dated  at  Celaya, 
about  the  latter  part  of  August,  in  which  that  general  warmly 
hopes  that  Don  Ignacio  may  be  successful  in  assisting  to  drive  the 
perfidious  invaders  of  Texas  from  the  country.     So  far,  to  say  the 


CAPTURE   OF   A    SPY.  137 

least  of  it,  Don  Ignacio  has  not  realized  Gen.  Cortazar's  hopes  to 
any  considerable  extent,  although  there  is  no  telling  what  he  may 
do  yet.  AJl  joking  aside,  the  Guanajuato  officers  are  among  the 
most  intelHgent  and  gentlemanlj^  in  the  Mexican  army.  A  de- 
tachment of  them  had  charge  of  the  Texian  Santa  Fe  prisoners, 
in  the  city  of  Mexico,  four  or  five  years  since,  and  from  them  they 
always  received  the  best  treatment,  to  my  certain  knowledge.  It 
has  been  said  by  the  Mexicans  here,  that  the  officer  who  lost  his 
baggage  was  the  last  to  leave  Marin,  and  that  he  did  all  in  his  power 
to  protect  the  inhabitants  from  abuse.  I  have  spoken  of  the  Po- 
blanas  above ;  if  you  wish  to  read  a  graphic  account  of  them,  get 
hold  of  Madame  Calderon's  work  on  Mexico." 

The  next  day,  Gen.  Butler's  division  arrived,  and  the  whole  army 
was  now  concentrated  at  this  place.  We  went  up  to  town  in  the 
morning,  but  found  all  looking  lonely  and  desolate.  The  plain  on 
which  our  army  was  encamped  is  about  two  hundred  feet  beJow  the 
town,  and  but  for  the  smoke  of  the  camp-fires,  no  one  would  have 
supposed  that  there  was  any  armed  force  in  the  vicinity,  so  com- 
pletely were  the  tents  hidden  from  the  view  by  the  dense  chapar- 
ral wKich  lined  each  side  of  the  road.  Many  were  occupied 
to-day,  writing  their  last  letter  home.  Some  were  seen  sitting 
in  the  shade,  under  the  trees,  with  their  nether  legs  for  a  table, 
inditing  their  epistles,  and  looking  quite  rural.  Several  prisoners 
were  taken,  among  whom  was  one  who  said  he  had  been  em- 
ployed upon  the  ditches  and  fortifications  of  Monterey,  and  that 
he  had  made  his  escape  two  days  ago.  He  described  the  different 
Avorks  and  fortifications  with  great  accuracy,  and  said  that  Ampu- 
idia  had  sent  off  all  the  women,  and  that  his  force  consisted  of  8000 
regulars  and  3000  rancheros,  with  whom  he  determined  to  hold 
the  city.  In  the  afternoon,  an  express  arrived  from  the  Spanish 
consul  at  Monterey,  giving  to  Gen.  Taylor  the  points  of  the  city, 
and  requesting  the  observance  of  the  flag  of  "  her  most  Catholic 
majesty,"  and  protection  to  all  foreigners.  A  fellow  who  was  sell- 
ing cakes  about  camp,  in  disguise,  as  a  spy,  was  suspected  of 
having  distributed  treasonable  documents  about  camp.  He  proved 
to  be  an  old  acquaintance,  no  less  than  the  said  Heronimo,  the  spy 
we  captured  on  the  scout  to  Papagayo.  He  professed  utter  igno- 
rance, however,  on  the  subject,  and  denied  having  been  in  our 
camp  before.  The  documents  consisted  of  a  letter,  in  English, 
from  Ampudia,  promising  a  reward  to  our  soldiers  to  desert,  and 
a  circular,  intended  for  the  alcaldes  and  others,  to  take  care  of  tho 
deserters.  It  will  be  perceived  that  the  letter  is  a  fair  sample  of 
Ampudia's  English  literature, — while  at  the  same  time  the  circU' 
lar  is  evidence  of  the'  wily  sagacity  of  the  Mexican  commander. 

12* 


138 

Army  of  the  North, 
General  in  Chief.     Head- Quarters,  Monterey, 
September  15th,  1846. 

It  is  well-known  that  the  war  carried  on  to  the  republic  of 
Mexico  by  the  government  of  the  United  States  of  America  is  un- 
just, illegal,  and  anti-christian,  for  which  reason  no  one  ought  to 
contribute  to  it. 

The  Federal  Government  having  been  happily  re-established, 
a  large  number  of  the  battalions  of  the  National  Guard,  in  the 
States  of  Coahuila,  St.  Louis  Potosi,  Guanajuato,  Zacatecas,  Q,ue- 
retaro,  and  others,  are  ready  to  be  on  the  field,  and  fight  for  our 
independence.  Acting  according  with  the  dictates  of  honour,  and 
in  compliance  with  what  my  country  requires  from  me,  in  the 
name  of  my  government,  I  offer  to  all  individuals  that  will  lay 
down  their  arms,  and  separate  themselves  from  the  American 
army,  seeking  protection,  they  will  be  well  received  and  treated 
in  all  the  plantations,  farms  or  towns,  where  they  will  first  arrive, 
and  assisted  for  their  march  to  the  interior  of  the  republic,  by  all 
the  authorities  on  the  road,  as  has  been  done  with  all  those  that 
have  passed  over  to  us. 

To  all  those  that  wish  to  serve  in  the  Mexican  army,  their 
offices  will  be  conserved  and  guarantied. 

Pedro  de  Ampudia. 

[Translation  of  the  "  Circular."] 
"Head- Quarters  of  the  Army  of  the  North, 

''September  15,  1846. 

"The  object  of  the  circular  which  is  annexed,  in  English,  is  to 
make  known  to  individuals  among  the  troops  of  the  United  States— 
who,  I  am  informed,  desire  to  abandon  that  flag — the  kind  dispo- 
sitions with  which  they  will  be  welcomed  and  protected  under  the 
flag  of  Mexico,  whose  only  device  is  to  resist  the  unjust  aggres- 
sion of  the  neighbouring  republic,  and  to  open  wide  the  arms  of  the 
republic  to  those  who  seek  the  shelter  of  her  flag  with  friendly 
purpose.  Therefore,  I  now  direct  you  that  such  soldiers  as  may 
present  themselves  from  the  enemy's  ranks,  with  friendly  pur- 
poses, unequivocally  evinced,  be  assisted  and  conducted  to  the 
interior  of  the  republic  by  the  most  convenient  points  and  roads. 
But  those  who  present  themselves  in  a  hostile  attitude,  or  who, 
under  friendly  appearances,  conceal  sinister  designs  against  the 
sacred  rights  of  the  republic — against  these  you  are  directed  to 
make  war  in  every  mode.  And  in  case  the  conduct  of  those  who 
present  themselves  should  be  doubtful,  and  it  be  difficult  to  deter- 
mine whether  their  purposes  be  friendly  or  hostile,  you  will  send 
them,  under  a  secure  guard,  to  head-quarters ;  and  if  this  be  not 
possible,  from  circumstances  which  may  occur  during  the  war, 


SCOUT   TO    PESCARIA   CHICA.  139 

you  will  have  them  marched  to  some  point  in  the  interior,  beyond 
the  reach  of  the  enemy's  advanced  parties.  I  make  this  commu- 
nication to  you  for  your  punctual  and  exact  compliance  therewith, 
holding  you  reponsible  for  the  slightest  omission  in  regard  to  any 
point  contained  in  this  order,  the  high  importance  of  which  is  well 
known.     God  and  Liberty." 

At  sundown,  the  men  got  supper.  Orders  were  issued  for  the 
march  of  the  army  on  the  morrow.  At  night  we  again  had  the 
honour  of  being  detailed  on  picket-guard.  The  detachment  crossed 
the  river  and  proceeded  about  a  mile  and  a  half  on  the  road,  where 
we  halted  and  concealed  ourselves  in  the  chaparral.  We  stopped 
several  Mexicans  during  the  night ;  among  the  rest,  the  courier  of 
the  Spanish  consul,  who  said  he  had  got  lost.  Nothing  occurred  of 
interest,  and  at  gray-dawn,  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  we  returned 
to  camp,  where  we  found  most  of  our  men  in  the  saddle.  We  had 
barely  time  to  eat  our  breakfast,  before  we  were  ordered  to  march. 

Gen.  Taylor  had  ascertained  that  Gen.  Torrejon's  cavalry  were 
encamped  in  the  vicinity  of  Pescaria  Chica,  a  small  town  to  the 
southward,  and  on  the  left  of  the  main  route  to  Monterey,  and  .Col. 
May,  with  his  squadron  of  dragoons,  was  ordered  to  proceed  with 
Capt.  Gillespie's  and  our  company  of  Rangers  to  cut  them  off,  as 
it  was  thought  their  object  was  to  attack  our  baggage-train  and 
pack-mules  in  the  rear.  Consequently,  we  took  down  the  right 
bank  of  the  stream,  while  the  rest  of  the  army  moved  on  the  direct 
road,  the  Second  Division  being  in  the  advance.  After  proceeding 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  down  the  stream,  we  met  an  old  man,  mounted 
on  a  mustang  pony,  whom  we  pressed  into  service  as  a  guide,  and 
forced  him  to  show  us  the  road  which  the  Mexicans  had  taken,  only 
the  night  before.  He  at  first  led  us  astray,  and  protested  that  he  did 
not  know  the  route  the  enemy  had  pursued ;  and  it  was  only  on 
threatening  him  with  death,  that  he  put  us  on  the  right  trail.  The 
little  path  we  followed,  led  us  through  a  beautiful  level  valley, 
lined  on  each  side  with  hills  and  mountains.  We  soon  found  the 
tracks,  or  "  signs  "  of  the  enemy,  and  discovered  the  look-outs,  or 
spies  of  the  Mexicans  on  the  distant  hills.  We  dashed  on  at  a 
merry  gait,  until  8,  a.  m.,  when  we  arrived  at  Pescaria  Chica,  a 
pretty  httle  village,  about  nine  miles  from  Marin  camp. 

At  our  unexpected  appearance,  the  women,  terrified  and  fright- 
ened out  of  their  senses,  ran  into  the  houses,  and  clasping  their 
children  close  to  them,  thought  they  were  all  to  be  murdered. 
The  men  also  hid  themselves,  or  stood  doggedly  by  the  doors  of 
their  houses.  The  command  halted  at  the  entrance  of  the  town, 
while  the  officers  proceeded,  with  a  few  dragoons,  to  call  o;n  the 
alcalde  for  information.  Some  of  the  houses  were  built  half  of 
logs,  and  the  other  half  of  white  lime-stone,  dividing  at  the  door- 


140  CAMP    AT    SAN    FRANCISCO. 

way,  which  looked  very  singular.  On  approaching  a  very  neat 
house,  where  we  saw  a  man  standing,  we  asked  him  if  he  had 
any  wine.  The  fellow  looked  as  black  as  night,  and  shaking  his 
finger,  replied  in  a  surly  tone  that  he  had  none ;  when  quite  a 
pretty  girl,  who  was  standing  in  the  house,  near  the  door,  with  her 
cheeks  still  wet  with  tears,  spoke  up  and  said  they  had  wine,  and 
at  her  solicitation,  the  man  was  made  to  bring  us  a  bottle,  for  which 
he  demanded  half  a  dollar.  Waving  the  man  aside  with  a  signi- 
ficant motion,  we  beckoned  to  the  girl,  to  whom,  as  she  timidly  ap- 
proached, we  gave  a  dollar,  the  only  piece  of  money  we  had  ;  she 
looked  up,  and  smilihg  through  her  tears,  thanked  us,  and  offered 
to  bring  us  more. 

Here  we  dismissed  our  old  guide,  having  ascertained  that  the 
enemy  had  pushed  on  towards  the  mountains,  and  taking  another, 
a  middle-aged  man,  who  was  a-foot,  and  had  but  one  shoe  on,  we 
struck  up  the  Agua  Frio  river,  towards  the  Monterey  road.  The 
guide  seemed  very  willing  to  show  us  the  route,  and  walked  on 
with  the  greatest  alacrity,  notwithstanding  he  was  so  illy  shod. 
We  could  not  help  but  feel  sorry  for  the  poor  creature,  who  seemed 
to  think  nothing  of  keeping  up  with  us,  though  we  travelled  in  a 
very  fast  walk.  W^e  pushed  on  three  miles  farther,  and  having 
passed  through  a  rancho,  called  Zacatecas,  soon  after  crossed  the 
Agua  Frio,  when  we  discovered  a  Mexican,  galloping  off  at  a 
rapid  rate.  A  command  to  halt,  backed  by  the  aim  of  a  dozen  rifles, 
soon  brought  the  fugitive  to,  whom  we  compelled  to  show  the  com- 
mand into  the  main  road,  discharging,  in  the  mean  time,  our  second 
guide.  We  proceeded  on  two  miles  farther,  and  arrived  at  rancho 
Agua  Frio,  where  we  dismounted,  and  rested  our  horses  for  half 
an  hour.  Here  we  learned  from  a  woman  who  sold  us  cake  and 
wine,  that  Torrejon,  with  five  hundred  men,  had  passed  through 
this  place  last  night.  The  instructions,  however,  did  not  permit 
us  to  follow  him.  Mounting  our  horses,  we  pushed  on  for  San 
Francisco,  six  miles  distant,  where  we  arrived  at  1,  p.  m.,  making 
twenty  miles  that  we  had  travelled,  though  only  fourteen  from 
Marin,  on  the  direct  road.  The  army  had  already  arrived  at  this 
place,  and  were  making  preparations  to  encamp  for  the  night. 

Our  company  encamped  near  a  fine  corn-field,  and  we  had  plenty 
of  green  fodder  for  our  horses.  A  thousand  rumors  were  afloat 
in  camp,  respecting  the  enemy  at  Monterey.  The  general  opinion 
that  now  prevailed,  was  that  a  bloody  battle  would  be  fought. 
Sometime  after  our  arrival,  it  was  discovered  that  the  Mexicans 
had  shut  off  the  water-courses,  by  damming  them  up,  above  us ; 
in  catching  two  fellows  in  the  act,  they  pretended  they  were  work- 
ing the  road.  We  soon  opened  them  again,  however,  and  a  plen- 
tiful supply  of  the  pure  liquid  was  had  for  all  purposes.     In  the 


ORDER    OF   MARCH. 


i4i 


afternoon,  Gen.  Henderson  arrived,  with  the  two  regiments  of 
Texas  Rangers,  under  Cols.  Hays  and  Wood. 

A  general  stir  and  activity  now  prevailed  in  camp ;  all  seized 
the  present  opportunity  to  do  that  which  had  been  left  undone. 
Muskets,  rifles,  and  pistols  were  cleaned,  reloaded,  and  primed. 
Officers  of  the  different  batteries  were  drilling  the  artillery  men, 
and  every  arrangement  was  being  made  throughout  the  camp, 
while  the  clear  ringing  of  the  anvils  of  the  forges  of  the  different 
batteries,  as  the  armourer's  hammer  descended  with  sturdy  stroke, 
gave  token  of  the  preparation  for  the  coming  contest.  All  were 
in  fine  spirits,  young  hearts  beat  high  with  the  assurance  of  vic- 
tory, and  longed  for  the  hour  to  come  which  should  crown  them 
with  distinction,  or  sacrifice  them  to  their  country's  sacred  cause. 
The  watch-fires  of  the  camps  lit  up  the  surrounding  scene,  and 
presented  to  the  view  the  long  Hries  of  the  encampment  of  the 
army.  It  was  a  fine  star-light  night,  and  a  cool  and  pleasant 
breeze  was  stirring,  while  ever  and  anon,  from  the  door  of  a  tent, 
or  a  group  sitting  around  a  fire,  would  be  heard  a  loud  peal  of 
merry  laughter  ;  and  were  it  not  for  the  occasional  clang  of  arms, 
and  the  sonorous  challenging  of  the  posted  sentinels,  the  scene 
might  have  been  taken  for  some  gay  festival,  instead  of  the  stern 
camp  of  American  warriors.  Gradually  all  became  still  and 
hushed  in  repose  ;  and  thus  slumbered  the  army,  to  awaken  only 
to  more  novel  and  exciting  scenes. 

At  daylight  on  the  19th  of  September,  the  troops  again  moved 
forward  in  the  following  order  of  battle,  on  the  road  to  Monterey  : 
Capt.  Gillespie's  company  in  the  advance,  followed  by  McCul- 
loch's,  and  the  remainder  of  our  regiment.  Col.  Hays',  which  we 
had  now  joined  for  the  first  time,  our  company  having  been  here- 
tofore detached ;  then  came  Col.  Woods's  Eastern  Texas  Rangers, 
the  brigade  under  the  command  of  Maj.Gen.  Henderson ;  the  First 
Division  followed,  under  Gen.  Twiggs,  and  the  Second  Division, 
under  Gen.  Worth,  while  the  Third  Division  of  volunteers,  under 
Gen.  Butler,  brought  up  the  rear.  Advancing  in  solid  battalions,  and 
moving  as  it  were  like  the  ocean's  swell,  with  the  sun's  rays  glit- 
tering upon  the  arms  of  the  dark  and  serried  ranks,  and  the  bright 
artillery  flashing  in  the  midst,  they  formed  a  noble  and  imposing 
pageantry.  As  the  army  moved  on,  Gen.  Taylor  and  staff  were 
seen  advancing  to  the  head  of  the  column.  A  low  murmur  of 
admiration  rose  in  the  ranks  as  the  general  passed,  bowing  to  both 
men  and  officers,  who  saluted  him  as  he  rode  by,  when  a  voice 
was  heard  saying,  "  Boys,  the  general  himself  is  going  to  lead  us 
forth  to  battle !" 

The  road  we  now  passed  over  was  lined  on  each  side  with  cul- 
tivated fields  and  occasional  jacals,  or  huts.     When  about  three 


142  ARRIVAL   BEFORE    THE    CITY. 

miles  from  Monterey,  we  passed  a  beautiful  walnut  grove  on  our 
left,  the  largest  timber  we  had  yet  seen  in  Mexico.  As  we  ad- 
vanced towards  the  city,  a  heavy  fog  rested  on  the  surface  and  the 
surrounding  heights,  concealing  nearly  every  thing  from  our  view, 
but  which  became  gradually  dissipated  by  the  sun.  At  8,  a.  m., 
we  arrived  within  about  1500  yards  of  the  city,  when  we  were 
ordered  to  halt.  The  scene  before  us  was  magnificent  and  sub- 
lime. There  lay  the  rich  and  lovely  valley  of  Monterey,  a  beau- 
tiful undulating  plain,  while  in  its  centre,  between  the  Saddle 
mountain  and  another  chain  of  the  Sierra  del  Madre,  lay  concealed 
the  capital  of  Nueva  Leon ;  the  towering  steeple  of  the  Cathedral 
alone  being  visible  to  mark  its  situation.  Off  to  the  right  was  the 
Citadel,  from  whose  battlements  a  flag  occasionally  flaunted  list- 
lessly to  the  breeze,  and  then  hung  in  folds  again,  struggling  as  it 
were  to  maintain  its  proud  display.  To  the  left  could  be  seen  the 
avenues  leading  to  the  city,  which  were  fortified  by  the  batteries, 
and  other  works  of  the  enemy.  Still  farther  to  the  right,  in  the 
rear  of  the  city,  stood,  on  a  high  hill  overlooking  the  whole,  the 
Bishop's  Palace,  displaying  from  its  turrets  the  black  cross  of  the 
Holy  Church,  and  the  green,  white,  and  red  banner  of  Mexico ; 
while  the  tops  of  the  adjacent  heights  were  crowned  with  snow- 
white  tents.  Beautiful  green  fields  met  the  eye  on  either  side, 
and  cattle  were  quietly  grazing  about,  while  mountains  on  every 
hand  rose  with  their  high  peaks  to  heaven,  tipped  with  white 
fleecy  clouds,  which  contrasted  beautifully  with  the  bright  green 
of  the  base  of  those  nearer  by.  Not  a  soul  was  to  be  seen,  and 
the  mountains,  the  vale,  and  the  city  seemed  alike  undisturbed, 
and  wrapped  in  the  calm  repose  of  nature :  all  was  still,  save  the 
wild  whistle  of  the  forest  bird. 

Soon,  however,  a  blast  from  the  Mexican  trumpets  came  echo- 
ing over  the  plain,  and  along  the  outskirt  of  the  walls  was  seen 
the  Mexican  cavalry  in  proud  array,  with  lances  bright,  and  pen- 
nons of  red  and  green  waving  in  the  breeze,  steadily  advancing  as 
it  were  to  meet  us.  Our  regiment,  (Col.  Hays',)  was  now  or- 
dered to  dismount  and  look  to  their  arms.  Mounting  again,  we 
formed  in  sections  of  five,  and  our  bugle  sounded  a  charge.  We 
advanced  in  a  brisk  trot  towards  the  foe,  and  were  in  the  act  of 
charging  at  a  full  gallop,  when  the  enemy  was  seen  to  wheel,  and 
retreat  towards  the  city.  We  were  immediately  halted,  when  we 
were  saluted  from  the  Citadel,  (see  Map,  letter  N,)  by  its  guns 
opening  upon  us  with  12-pound  shot,  which  was  returned  by  a 
shout  of  defiance  that  rang  wildly  over  the  plain.  The  Mexicans 
had  thought  by  this  movement  to  entice  us  close  in  under  the  guns 
of  their  forts  ;  but  the  keen-sighted  Hays  saw  the  ruse,  and  having 
ordered  a  countermarch,  we  proceeded  back  to  our  former  po- 


RECONNOITERING   THE    CITY.  143 

sition  without  sustaining  any  injury.  In  the  mean  time,  Gen. 
Taylor  and  staff,  with  Major  Mansfield,  and  a  party  of  engineers, 
had  proceeded  to  the  right,  in  order  to  make  an  examination  of  the 
enemy's  works,  when  a  ball  struck  within  twenty  feet  of  Gen. 
Taylor,  and  came  bounding  up  towards  the  group,  showing  that 
the  enemy  had  got  the  range  with  their  guns,  the  other  balls  having 
fallen  short.  The  Rangers  were  now  ordered  to  march  back  to  a 
corn-field,  through  which  ran  a  streamlet,  where  we  watered  and 
rested  our  horses  for  half  an  hour,  when  we  again  marched  out 
on  the  plain.  The  enemy  re-opened  their  fire,  and  the  balls  fre- 
quently, after  tearing  up  the  ground,  would  roll  up  to  where  we 
stood.  We  were  kept  marching  and  counter-marching  before  the 
enemy's  batteries  for  some  two  hours,  when  we  received  orders  to 
withdraw  to  the  beautiful  grove  of  San  Domingo,  which  was 
christened  "  Walnut  Springs,"  where  Gen.  Taylor  pitched  his 
camp.  It  was  indeed  a  lovely  spot.  The  tall  forest  trees  afforded 
us  both  shade  and  shelter,  while  the  silvery  streams,  and  cool  bub- 
bling springs,  served  to  slake  our  thirst.  The  whole  army  which 
had  lined  the  road  for  miles,  had  now  come  up.  On  hearing  the 
firing  of  the  guns  from  the  Citadel,  and  our  cheers,  which  were 
carried  back  from  front  to  rear,  and  re-echoed  through  that  long 
line,  every  man  became  electrified  and  filled  with  enthusiasm,  and 
rushed  forward,  thinking  that  the  battle  had  begun  ;  it  was  with 
difficulty,  indeed,  that  they  could  be  restrained  from  a  run. 

The  encampments  were  soon  laid  off,  tents  were  pitched,  and 
the  soldiers  prepared  dinner.  In  the  afternoon.  Major  Mansfield, 
Capt.  John  Sanders  and  Lieut.  Scarritt,  of  the  engineer  depart- 
ment, and  Lieut.  Meade  of  the  topographical  engineers,  supported 
by  Capt.  Pike,  Graham's  squadron  of  dragoons,  and  Capt.  Gilles- 
pie's Texas  Rangers,  went  out  to  make  a  reconnoissance  towards 
the  Saltillo  road,  while  Capt.  WilHams,  of  the  topographical  engi- 
neers, with  Capt.  Ridgely,  of  the  artillery,  and  others,  proceeded  at 
the  same  time  to  make  a  reconnoissance  of  the  eastern  approaches. 
The  batteries  of  the  enemy  kept  playing  during  the  afternoon,  as 
the  different  parties  would  approach  their  works.  Large  foraging 
parties  of  the  Rangers  also  went  out,  and  brought  in  several  pri- 
soners, among  whom  was  the  spy  ''^  Heronimoy  He  was  agair. 
brought  up  for  examination  before  Gen.  Taylor,  but  evaded  or 
refused  to  answer  all  important  questions.  In  order  to  gain  the 
information,  he  was  threatened  to  be  hung;  and,  as  we  were 
informed,  it  was  only  when  the  fellow  felt  the  rope  tighten  around 
his  neck,  that  he  promised  to  tell  the  truth,  after  which  he  was 
sent  off  to  the  guard-house.  At  dark,  the  reconnoitering  parties 
came  in.  The  day  closed  without  any  farther  incident,  and  the 
sun  sank  behind  the  mountains,  leaving  its  gorgeous  hues  veiled 


144  THE  NIGHT  BEFORE  THE  BATTLE. 

by  a  murky  mist,  which  at  last  became  wrapt  in  the  dark  folds  of 
night.  Nothing  more  then  occurred  to  disturb  the  sweet  repose 
of  the  peaceful  valley  of  Monterey,  though  in  its  dark  forests  was 
planning  an  attack  that  was  soon  to  awaken  it  to  scenes  of  carnage 
and  bloodshed,  and  shake  its  very  centre  with  the  dread  roar  of 
musketry  and  artillery.  Arrangements  were  now  made  to  make 
a  further  reconnoissance  in  the  direction  of  the  works  overlooking 
the  Bishop's  Palace,  (see  letter  E,)  towards  the  Saltillo  road,  to 
ascertain  the  practicability  of  making  a  circuitous  route  in  the  rear 
of  the  town,  for  the  purpose  of  turning  the  position  of  the  enemy, 
and  cutting  off  their  line  of  communication  ;  as  it  was  currently 
reported  that  Santa  Anna  was  advancing  with  a  powerful  force  to 
the  relief  of  the  beleaguered  city.  Although  all  appeared  per- 
fectly quiet,  yet  great  preparations  were  being  made,  and  the  heavy 
sound  of  wagon  teams,  with  the  clang  of  dragoon  sabres,  and  the 
tread  of  horses,  were  now  and  then  distinctly  heard.  The  expe- 
dition, under  Col.  Duncan,  was  greatly  favoured  by  the  darkness 
of  the  night,  and  about  11,  p.  m.,  the  party  came  in  safe,  having 
made  a  detour  of  some  five  miles,  in  which  they  were  perfectly 
successful,  and  proved  the  practicability  of  the  scheme. 

During  the  night  we  made  some  thirty  prisoners.  Towards 
morning,  a  drizzling  rain  fell,  and  around  the  guard-fires  were  seen 
groups  of  men,  wrapped  in  their  blankets,  guarding  the  prisoners, 
and  amusing  each  other  by  recounting  tales,  and  speculating  on  the 
events  of  the  coming  day.  Thus  passed  the  night,  and  many  a 
scene  might  be  described,  aflbrding  food  for  mirth,  and  presenting 
subjects  for  the  artist's  pencil.  Towards  morning  it  became  raw 
and  unpleasant,  and  for  those  who  had  no  tents,  very  disagreeable, 
as  the  rain  still  continued  to  fall.  Thus  ended  our  first  night  of 
encampment  at  "  Walnut  Springs,"  near  the  city  of  Monterey. 


iiwmiiiwuiMiiiiiinirti 


Lruwti  by  Lieut.  Geo.  Meave,  I.  S.  Toj.vffr''jhk-al  Engineers. 


Worth 


■"Lf}OUTE 


^f,m  RO'^o 


TAYLOR'S  CAMP 


riegend* 

Mexican  Ambuscade  of  the 

20th  September. 
Yard  into   which'  Mexicans 

fired  at  nightfall  on  20th 
Charge  of  Mexican  Lancers 

on  morning  of  21st 
Position  of  2nd  Division  on 

2Ist 
Lonia  Independencia.  Height 

stormed  by  Col.  Childs  on 

the  22d 
Bishop's  Palace   carried   on 

22d 
Loma    Federacion.      Height 

stormed  by  Captain  Smith's 

party  on  the  21st 
Ft.  Soldada.  Redoubt  stormed 

by  General  Smith  on  the 
21st 
Arista's  house  and  garden 
Church  and  Cemetery  with 

loopholes  for  musketry 
Plazuela  de  Carne 
Small  Plaza 
Grand  Plaza 
(Mtadel 

Mortar  Battery. 
Position    occupied    by    our 

troops  on  the  morning  of 

the  24th 
Camp  of  2d  Division  night  of 

Sept  20th 
Fort  Ten^ria.    Redoubt  of  4 

guns  assaulted  and  carried 

on  the  morning  of  the  21st 

by  1st  and  3d  Divisions 
Fort  El  Diablo.   Redoubt  of  3 
Breast  works  [guns 

Redoubt  of  4  guns 
Line  of  barricades 
Buildings  of  different  kinds 


I. 

J. 

K. 
L. 
M, 
N. 
O. 
PQR. 


2. 

3&4. 
5. 
aaa. 


v*^ 


FORTIFICATIONS  OF  MONTEREY.  149 


-^i  CHAPTER  XV. 

Description  of  the  Fortifications  at  Monterey — General  Taylor's  military 
Talent — His  Character — Gen.  Worth — Enumeration  of  his  Division — Anec- 
dote of  Gen.  Taylor — The  March  and  Detour  of  the  Second  Division — The 
Movement  discovered  by  the  Enemy — Diversion  made  by  the  First  and 
Third  Divisions — Arrival  of  the  Second  Division  at  the  Pescaria  Grande 
Road — The  Reconnoissance — The  Ambuscade — Heroic  Act  (Tf  Lieut. 
McMuIlen — Camp  at  the  Jacales — The  Attack  on  Pigs  and  Poultry — The 
Surprise  and  Attack  by  the  Mexican  Cavalry— Their  Repulse  with  Loss- 
Incidents  of  the  Night — Our  dreary  Situation — The  superiority  of  the  Ene- 
my's Forces  and  Defences. 

As  daylight  dawned  on  Sunday  morning,  the  20th  of  Sep- 
tember, the  heavy  clouds  and  drizzling  rain,  that  still  pre- 
vailed, shut  out  the  sunlight,  and  made  the  scene  around  as 
gloomy  as  it  before  had  been  bright.  Before  we  proceed  farther 
to  relate  the  operations  of  our  army,  it  will  be  necessary  to  give 
to  the  reader  the  situation  of  the  enemy's  defences  and  fortifica- 
tions, in  order  that  the  movements  and  positions  of  the  different 
divisions  of  our  troops,  in  storming  the  city  of  Monterey,  may  be 
fully  understood.  We  shall  commence  by  describing  the  works 
and  fortifications  of  the  enemy,  which  were  stormed  by  the  First 
and  Third  Divisions  on  Gen.  Taylor's  side.  On  reference  to  the 
Map,  the  reader  will  see  the  situation  of  the  works  as  described. 

No.  1.  A  strong  redoubt  of  masonry  of  four  faces,  with  an 
open  gorge  of  ten  feet,  prepared  for  four  guns,  overlooked  and 
commanded  by  a  large  stone  house  in  the  rear,  prepared  with 
sand-bags  and  loop-holes  for  infantry. 

No.  2.  Strong  redoubt  of  four  faces,  open  gorge  of  twenty  feet, 
prepared  for  three  guns. 

No.  3.  Fleches  of  masonry  for  infantry,  and  breast-works. 

No.  4.  Strong  redoubt  for  one  gun,  not  occupied  by  the  enemy. 

No.  5.  Tete-de-pont  in  front  of  the  bridge  of  the  Purisina,  a 
strong  work  of  masonry  for  three  guns. 

No.  6.  A  strong  redoubt  of  masonry  for  four  guns,  overlooking 
the  approaches  from  Cadareyta,  and  commanding  the  gorge  of 
No.  2. 

No.  7.  A  strong  redoubt  of  masonry  for  three  guns,  overlooked 
and  commanded  by  a  large  stone  house,  prepared  for  infantry 
with  loop-holes  and  sand-bags. 

Nos.  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  and  7,  were  connected  by  breastworks  of 
earth  and  brush  for  infantry,  thus  forming  a  complete  line  of  de- 
fence from  4  to  7.  Barricades  of  masonry,  twelve  feet  thick, 
with  embrasures  for  guns,  were  met  with  in  every  direction. 
t    "»  ■"-  13*    S7fii^  « 


160  GENERAL   TAYLOR. 

The   house-tops   and   garden  walls  were  loopholed   throughout 
the  city,  and  prepared  with  sand-bags  for  infantry  defence. 

These  strong  works  defended  the  eastern  and  southern  ap- 
proaches ;  while  the  Citadel,  (see  letter  N,)  a  large  rectangular 
stone  building,  the  walls  only  standing,  surrounded  by  an  enclosed 
work  of  sohd  masonry,  of  four  bastioned  fronts,  and  prepared  for 
thirty-one  guns,  commanded  and  protected  the  northern  ap- 
proaches. The  following  works  defended  the  western  approaches, 
which  were  stormed  by  the  Second  (Gen.  Worth's)  Division. 

F.  The  Bishop's  Castle,  containing  four  guns. 

E.  A  strong  redoubt  on  the  height  called  "  Independencia,''^ 
leading  down  to  the  Bishop's  Palace,  or  castle,  which  had  in  posi- 
tion two  guns. 

G.  A  battery  of  two  guns  on  Federation  Hill,  leading  to  Fort 
Soldada. 

H.  Fort  Soldada,  containing  in  position  one  gun. 

Gen.  Taylor,  after  having  made  a  reconnoissance  of  the  posi- 
tion and  principal  works  of  the  enemy,  as  well  as  circumstances 
would  permit,  with  that  sagacity,  military  combination,  and  con- 
centration, which  so  few  were  then  willing  to  give  him  credit  for, 
saw  with  the  quick  observation  and  discernment  of  a  skilful  and 
scientific  chess-player,  the  assailable  points  of  the  enemy,  and 
determined  at  once  upon  the  plan  of  attack.  The  city  was  so 
thoroughly  fortified  on  the  east  side,  that  it  became  necessary  to 
gain  the  enemy's  rear,  and  attack  and  carry  the  almost  impreg- 
nable positions  on  the  west  side  in  the  reverse,  in  order  to  break 
the  concentrated  force  of  the  Mexicans,  and  thus  give  to  the 
American  army  two  chances  of  success  ;  whereas  by  making  an 
attack  in  the  front,  or  eastern  side,  we  had  scarcely  any  at  all. 
Noble,  magnanimous,  and  generous  in  heart ;  calm  and  collected 
on  the  field  of  battle  ;  though  his  iron  determination,  and  the 
rapid  revolution  of  mihtary  movements  in  his  mind  made  .him 
the  stern  warrior,  and  which,  when  thwarted,  caused  his  impetuous 
blood  to  rise  at  inaction,  delay,  or  failure  ;  yet  the  commander-in- 
chief  ever  held  in  view  the  comfort  of  his  soldiers,  and  no  one  ever 
appealed  to  him  in  vain  for  the  redress  of  grievances  or  wrongs. 

Preparations  were  accordingly  made  to  gain  the  Saltillo  road, 
and  for  this  important  object  Gen.  Taylor  generously  confided  the 
expedition  to  the  command  of  Gen.  Worth,  who  had  been  pre- 
vented by  circumstances  from  participating  in  the  late  battles  of 
**  Palo  Alto"  and  "  Resaca  de  la  Palma."  With  all  the  impetuosity 
and  eagerness  of  a  war-steed  chafing  under  the  curb  which  held 
.  his  progress  in  check,  he  had  longed  for  the  hour  to  come  when 
he  should  once  more  take  the  field  against  the  foe.  That  hour 
had  arrived,  and  to  a  brave  and  gallant  spirit  had  the  trust  been 


•  ANECDOTE  OF  GENERAL  TAYLOR.   ■'?       151 

reposed.  Orders  were  accordingly  given  to  Gen.  Worth  to  pro- 
ceed with  his  division,  by  a  circuitous  route,  around  the  hill  of 
the  Bishop's  Palace  and  carry  the  heights,  or  detached  works, 
in  the  enemy's  rear.  For  the  sake  of  accuracy,  we  will  again 
enumerate  the  force  of  this  division.  The  First  Brigade,  com- 
manded by  Lieut.  Col.  Staniford,  consisted  of  Lieut.  Col.  Duncan's 
battery  of  horse-artillery,  Lieut.  Col.  Child's  artillery  battalion, 
composed  of  the  following  companies  :  Company  K,  of  the  2d 
regiment,  companies  A  and  B,  of  the  3d  regiment,  and  companies 
G,  H,  and  I,  of  the  4th  regiment,  acting  as  infantry  ;  and  the  8th 
regiment  of  the  infantry,  under  Capt.  Scriven.  The  Second  Bri- 
gade, commanded  by  Brig.  Gen.  P.  F.  Smith,  (colonel  of  rifles,) 
was  composed  of  Lieut.  Mackall's  battery  of  horse-artillery,  the 
5th  Infantry,  to  which  was  attached  Capt.  Blanchard's  company 
of  Louisiana  volunteers,  under  Maj.  Martin  Scott ;  and  the  7th 
Infantry,  under  Capt.  Miles.  Col.  Hays'  regiment  of  mounted 
Texas  Rangers  also  accompanied  the  division,  numbering  in  all 
about  2000  effective  men. 

It  was  now  about  9  o'clock,  a.  m.,  when  the  sun  showed  his 
bright  face  over  the  mountain  tops,  and  the  day  became  clear  and 
serene.  Orders  were  issued  to  our  regiment.  Col.  Hays',  to  get 
ready  for  a  march.  A  thousand  rumors  were  afloat  as  to  where 
we  were  going  and  what  was  to  be  done.  The  general  impression 
prevailed  that  we  were  to  escort  Col.  Duncan  to  plant  his  artillery. 
From  the  delay  which  ensued,  however,  it  was  soon  apparent 
that  a  more  important  movement  was  to  take  place.  The  whole 
camp  was  astir,  and  orderlies  were  seen  running  to  and  fro  carry- 
ing messages.  We  took  this  opportunity  to  make  a  few  calls  on 
some  friends,  whom  we  had  not  seen  since  we  joined  the  army, 
on  account  of  our  position  in  the  advance.  Passing  the  head- 
quarters of  Gen.  Taylor,  our  attention  was  attracted  to  a  line  of 
some  fifteen  or  twenty  delinquents,  regulars  and  volunteers,  who 
were  brought  up  before  the  general  for  reprimand.  We  were 
surprised  to  see  with  what  patience  the  general  hstened  to  each 
man's  excuse  or  complaint.  On  the  extreme  left  of  the  line  stood 
a  volunteer  over  six  feet  in  height,  and  stout  in  proportion,  who, 
on  being  asked  what  he  had  to  say,  rephed  : 

"  Why,  we  haven't  had  any  bread  for  two  days,  and  mighty  little 
to  eat,  any  how ;  and  you  see,  general,  a  man  can't  fight  well 
without  he  gets  somethin'  to  eat." 

"  Very  well,"  said  the  general,  turning  to  the  officer,  "  see  that 
every  man  has  as  much  as  he  can  eat,  and  I'll  see  that  they  have 
plenty  of  fighting." 

The  squad  was  dismissed  well  pleased — one  fellow  observing 
that  "  the  general  was  on  their  side,  any  how,"  and,  as  soon  as 


IfiflK  THE   DETOUR    OF   THE    SECOND   DIVISION. 

they  got  at  a  respectful  distance^  they  seconded  the  motion  of  one 
of  the  party  to  give  "0/t/  Zack^^  a  cheer,  which  was  forthwith 
put  into  execution. 

About  noon  our  regiment  was  ordered  to  move,  and  we  took  up 
the  hne  of  march  towards  the  plaza,  when  we  struck  off  to  the 
right,  through  the  chaparral  towards  some  corn-fields.  A  com- 
pany of  pioneers  was  sent  in  the  advance  with  Lieut.  McCown, 
under  Capt.  Sanders,  to  cut  a  passage  through  the  chaparral 
fences,  so  as  to  make  the  road  practicable  for  artillery,  which  had 
now  come  up  with  the  rest  of  the  command  of  the  Second  Divi- 
sion. Our  progress  was  very  slow,  as  we  had  many  difficulties 
to  overcome.  By  the  time  we  reached  the  Monclova  road,  it  was 
discovered  that  the  enemy  had  perceived  our  movement,  and  large 
bodies  of  infantry  could  be  seen  advancing  at  a  run  from  the 
Bishop's  Palace  towards  the  height  above  it.  In  order  to  divert 
the  attention  of  the  enemy.  Gen.  Taylor,  who  also  perceived  their 
movements,  ordered  out  the  First  and  Third  Divisions  before  the 
city,  thus  making  a  manifestation  in  our  favour.  We  pushed  on 
without  interruption  until  we  reached  the  Pescaria  Grande  road, 
when  we  could  plainly  see  the  tents  of  the  enemy  on  Loma  In- 
dependencia,  or  Independence  Hill — their  cannon  being  concealed 
from  our  view.  Here  we  found  a  neighbourhood-road  leading 
around  the  base  of  some  high  hills  on  our  right  towards  the  great 
Saltillo  road,  where  the  head  of  the  column  halted  for  the  remain- 
der of  the  command  to  come  up.  In  the  mean  time.  Gen.  Burle- 
son, of  Texas,  with  about  twenty  men,  proceeded  along  the  base 
of  the  hill,  while  Col.  Hays  and  Lieut.  Cols.  Duncan  and  Walker, 
with  Captain  McCulloch  and  Col.  Peyton,  late  of  the  Louisi- 
ana volunteers,  ascended  the  hill  to  reconnoitre.  While  these 
officers  were  riding  on  the  brow  of  the  hill.  Gen.  Worth  came  up 
with  Lieut.  Wood  of  his  staff,  and  also  ascended  the  hill.  Soon 
after.  Gen.  Burleson  rode  up,  and,  inquiring  for  Gen.  Worth,  re- 
ported that  he  had  met  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  that  a  large  force, 
consisting  of  cavalry  and  infantry,  was  approaching  from  the  turn 
or  point  of  the  hill  beyond,  with  the  evident  intention  of  disputing 
our  further  progress.  Our  position  at  once  became  very  critical, 
and  the  presence  of  Gen.  Worth  was  immediately  required.  Mr. 
Kendall  here  volunteered  his  services,  and  proceeded  after  Gen. 
Worth,  who  by  this  time  had  disappeared  far  to  the  right,  on  the 
brow  of  the  hill.  A  little  after,  all  the  officers,  except  McCulloch, 
were  seen  coming  down.  Gen.  Worth,  on  his  arrival,  ordered  a 
detachment  of  McCulloch's  company,  under  Lieut.  Kelly,  to  pro- 
ceed and  join  the  detachment  of  Capt.  Gillespie's  company — Gens, 
Worth  and  Smith,  Col.  Hays,  and  Lieut.  Cols.  Duncan  and  Walker, 
with  Gen.  Burleson,  taking  the  advance,  while  they  were  supported 


SKIRMISHES  WITH   THE    ENEMY.  153 

by  the  rest  of  the  Texians  and  a  body  of  infantry.  Turning  a  bend 
in  the  road,  at  a  mountain  gorge  on  our  right,  where  the  enemy's 
scouts  were  discovered,  we  halted  at  some  jacales  on  our  left ; 
here  the  men  filled  their  canteens  with  water  from  the  wells, 
while  Gens.  Worth  and  Smith  again  ascended  another  of  a  chain 
of  hills  on  our  right,  to  examine  more  closely  the  defences  of 
Loma  Independencia,  and  the  assailable  points  of  the  enemy's 
works.  As  we  had  not  yet  met  with  any  opposition  from  the 
enemy,  it  was  determined  to  reconnoitre  as  far  as  the  Saltillo  road. 
Col.  Hays  ordered  some  four  or  five  men  to  stay  on  the  top  of  the 
hill  to  keep  a  look-out,  and  make  a  signal  should  the  enemy  show 
himself  in  numbers,  while  the  advance  proceeded  on.  We  had 
not  moved  more  than  a  thousand  yards  farther  before  it  was  dis- 
covered that  a  body  of  Mexican  infantry  and  dismounted  cavalry 
(who  had  descended  from  the  other  side  of  Lo7na  Independencia, 
and  wound  around  its  base  to  conceal  themselves  from  us)  had 
sought  cover  about  seventy  yards  from  the  road  in  some  corn-fields 
on  our  left,  while  another  body  lay  concealed  in  the  fence  cor- 
ners. We  were  now  immediately  opposite  and  in  point-blank 
range  of  the  gun  battery  of  Independence  Hill,  (see  A  on  the 
map,)  when  the  enemy  in  ambush  saluted  us  with  a  shower  of 
musket  and  scopet  balls — the  guns  from  the  battery  of  Fort  Inde- 
pendence at  the  same  time  opening  a  fire  of  shell  and  shot.  A 
retrograde  movement  was  immediately  ordered,  as  it  was  the  evi- 
dent intention  of  the  enemy  to  cut  us  off*  before  we  could  join  our 
main  force.  So  heavy  was  the  fire  that  the  balls  struck  all  around 
us,  cutting  the  chaparral  on  every  side.  A  shell  fell  on  the  field 
between  us  and  the  Mexicans,  and  bursted  with  a  loud  report, 
tearing  up  the  ground  and  corn,  but  doing  us  no  injury.  The 
advance  consisted  of  not  over  thirty  men,  and  a  race  now  took 
place,  which  we  never  entered  for,  to  see  who  should  gain  our 
main  force  first,  the  Mexicans  or  ourselves.  Many  of  our  horses, 
alarmed  at  the  bursting  of  the  shells,  became  unmanageable,  and 
started  off'  with  their  riders  at  a  break-neck  pace,  running  over 
every  thing  in  their  way.  We  were  knocked  out  of  our  saddle  on 
this  occasion,  and  hung  with  one  foot  in  the  stirrup,  with  our  right 
hand  chnging  to  the  mane — our  horse  running  with  us  in  this 
position  for  nearly  a  hundred  yards  before  we  recovered  ourself. 
Behind  us  still  was  one  of  our  comrades  completely  unhorsed,  while 
the  enemy's  cavalry  were  within  fifty  yards  of  him.  The  heroic 
and  gallant  Lieut.  John  McMuUen  saw  his  danger,  and,  check-  i 
ing  his  steed,  Avheeled,  and,  without  dismounting,  seized  his  com- ' 
rade,  and  as  quick  as  Hghtning  threw  him  on  his  horse,  in  the 
face,  and  almost  very  grasp  of  the  enemy,  and  bore  him  safe  to 
camp !     Our  rear  in  the  meantime,  however,  had  returned  the 


154 

enemy's  fire  in  the  most  spirited  manner,  doing  good  execution, 
and  beautifully  covering  our  retreat — thus  preserving  the  advance 
from  being  cut  off.     Miraculous  to  say,  not  a  man  was  hurt. 

Our  regiment  hearing  the  firing  had  come  up  at  a  gallop,  but 
it  was  now  nearly  sundown,  and  we  were  ordered  to  encamp  in 
the  yard  of  some  jacales  on  the  road  side,  (see  B  on  the  Map,)  for 
the  night.  The  men  were  tired  and  hungry,  as  we  had  eaten 
nothing  since  breakfast.  The  yard  was  filled  with  pigs  and 
goats ;  and  the  chickens  had  sought  the  trees  to  roost.  An  im- 
mediate attack  was  now  commenced  upon  the  former  with  stones 
and  swords,  and  many  a  laugh  was  had  at  the  unsuccessful  racing 
that  was  going  on.  While  at  the  same  time  others  ascended  the 
trees,  and  commenced  an  assault  upon  the  chickens.  In  the 
very  height  of  our  fun,  and  before  we  had  time  to  unsaddle  our 
horses,  which  stood  hitched  around  the  houses,  we  received  a  rat- 
tling fire  of  scopets  from  about  five  hundred  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  who  had  suddenly  come  upon  us,  and  had  taken  position 
on  the  point  of  a  hill  near  by,  overlooking  our  place  of  encampment. 
The  tables  were  now  turned,  to  the  evident  dehght  of  the  pigs  and 
chickens,  and  such  a  getting  down  out  of  trees  and  scampering 
generally  as  then  took  place,  afforded  us  many  a  hearty  laugh 
afterwards. 

Col.  Hays,  with  his  noted  presence  of  mind,  immediately 
formed  the  men  under  cover  of  the  chaparral  fence,  to  repulse  a 
charge,  while  Acklen's  and  Ballowe's  companies  (dismounted) 
formed  out  in  the  road.  The  Texians  gave  a  yell,  and  repulsed 
the  enemy  with  considerable  loss,  while  only  one  or  two  of  our 
men  were  slightly  wounded.  This  skirmish  took  place  between 
sundown  and  dark,  and  immediately  after  a  heavy  shower  of  rain 
came  up,  while  we  were  yet  under  arms,  and  which  put  a  stop  to 
farther  proceedings.  We  were  kept  in  our  positions  more  than 
an  hour,  while  the  rain  fell  in  torrents,  drenching  us  to  the  skin. 
The  two  companies  in  the  meanwhile  had  come  in  and  reported 
that  the  enemy  had  retreated  to  the  Saltillo  road.  The  picket- 
guard  was  then  detailed,  and  the  men  ordered  to  look  to  their 
horses.  In  examining  the  httle  houses,  or  jacales,  in  the  yard  we 
found  the  doors  all  locked  and  barricaded.  The  heavy  pole  at 
the  well,  which  had  been  used  for  drawing  water,  was  now  made 
use  of  as  a  battering  ram,  which  soon  opened  the  doors  for  us.  In 
the  largest  house,  we  found  any  quantity  of  dry  corn,  belonging 
to  the  Mexican  government,  which  was  joyfully  seized,  and  plen- 
tifully fed  to  our  poor  horses. 

The  yard  being  within  range  of  the  battery  on  Independence 
Hill,  we  were  not  permitted  to  light  fires  to  cook,  for  fear  of  dis- 
closing our  position.     About  nine  o'clock,  Gen.  Worth  came  into 


THE   NIGHT    OF   THE    TWENTIETH.  155 

the  corn-house,  and  by  a  dim  light  of  corn  shucks  wrote  with  a 
pencil  a  hurried  note  to  Gen.  Taylor,  informing  him  of  the  events 
of  the  afternoon,  and  suggesting  that  a  diversion  should  be  made 
in  his  favour,  on  the  next  day,  as  it  was  evident  his  farther 
advance  would  be  strenuously  opposed.  The  command  had  all 
come  up,  and  encamped  near  us  on  the  road-side.  The  pack- 
mules  and  provisions  of  the  Rangers  had  been  left  behind  at  camp, 
so  that  we  had  not  even  a  piece  of  bread  with  us,  and  many  of  us 
were  in  our  shirt-sleeves,  having  left  our  jackets  and  blankets  be- 
hind, under  the  impression  that  we  were  to  return  that  night  to 
camp.  The  regulars,  also,  were  nearly  as  bad  off  as  ourselves, 
for  the  wagon  train  contained  scanty  rations  for  four  days  only, 
with  little  or  no  chance  to  cook.  In  the  field  of  active  service, 
there  is  but  little  difference  in  regard  to  comforts,  and  all  formali- 
ties of  rank,  farther  than  obeying  orders,  are  thrown  aside ;  for 
there  is  something  on  the  battle-field  that  tells  us  we  are  but  men, 
the  lines  of  distinction  become  effaced,  and  the  soldier  and  the 
officer  share  ahke.  The  Mexicans  had  shut  off  the  water  from 
above,  which  irrigated  the  fields  where  we  had  encamped,  and 
we  remember  the  grateful  draught  that  we  scooped  up  in  a  tin 
cup  from  the  draining  run,  as  it  became  nearly  exhausted,  as  one 
of  the  most  refreshing  that  ever  passed  our  lips.  What  few  could, 
occupied  the  houses,  while  the  rest  lay  down  on  the  cold  wet 
ground.  But  few  horses  were  unsaddled,  the  girths  being  merely 
loosened  to  give  them  rest.  The  night  was  passed  in  hourly 
expectation  of  an  attack,  or  surprise.  Cold,  cheerless,  and  hun- 
gry, the  men  lay  sleeping  on  their  arms,  while  all  around  prevailed 
a  gloomy  quiet :  our  slumber  was  uneasy  and  broken,  for  at  the 
slightest  noise,  the  men  would  awake  and  grasp  their  arms,  and 
then  hearing  no  alarm,  would  as  quickly  again  fall  off  to  sleep. 

During  the  night,  on  Gen.  Taylor's  side  of  the  city,  two  twenty- 
four  pound  howitzers  and  a  ten-inch  mortar  were  placed  in  bat- 
tery, so  as  to  play  upon  the  town  and  citadel  on  the  next  morning. 
At  dark,  all  the  troops  were  withdrawn  from  before  the  town, 
except  the  4th  Infantry,  which  was  left  to  protect  this  battery 
during  the  night.  Such  then  was  the  position  of  Gen.  Taylor's 
army  on  the  night  of  the  20th.  Every  thing  was  yet  to  be  done, 
the  enemy  having  every  advantage  over  us.  It  was  known  that 
their  forces  were  far  superior  to  ours,  and  the  defences  of  the 
city  such,  that  to  insure  success,  fortified  as  they  were  by  the 
strongest  works  on  every  side,  to  say  nothing  of  the  natural  de- 
fences of  the  mountains,  gorges,  and  hills — it  would  be  necessary 
to  carry  their  strong  positions  by  storm.  And  this  it  was  felt 
would  be  attended  with  the  greatest  sacrifice  before  we  should  be 
able  to  take  the  city. 


I 


fSS  DISCOVERY    OF   THE    ENEMY. 

Having  brought  up  the  incidents  and  movements  of  the  army 
until  its  occupation  of  the  position  before  Monterey,  we  here  take 
leave  of  the  kind  reader,  and  devote  to  the  picturing  of  more  stir- 
ring events,  a  new  chapter. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  First  Day  of  the  Battle — Discovery  of  the  Enemy — The  Cavalry  Charge — 
Death  of  Lieut.  Col.  Najera — The  enemy's  Defeat — Incidents  of  the  Charge — 
Anecdote  of  a  Ranger — An  Irish  Teamster — Military  skill  of  Gen.  Taylor — 
The  First  and  Third  Divisions — Gen.  Worth  gains  the  Saltillo  road — Maj. 
Brown  occupies  the  Mill  at  St.  Catarina — The  critical  position  of  Gen. 
Worth — His  military  bearing — The  Storming  of  Federation  Hill  and  Fort 
Soldada — The  Retreat  of  the  Enemy — Lieut.  Pitcher's  Chalk  Marks — Noble 
act  of  Lieut.  Geo.  Deas— A  wild  Scene— A  touching  Sight — Generalship  of 
Worth — The  close  of  the  Day — Suffering  of  the  Troops — A  storm  at  Night — 
Mexican  Hospitality — Description  of  a  Mexican  Woman — Preparations  for  the 
Morrow. 

As  the  day  gradually  dawned  on  the  21st  of  September,  the  soft 
gleams  of  light  presented  to  our  view  the  surrounding  mountains, 
vales  and  hills  clothed  in  samite  green.  The  hallowed  stillness  of 
the  hour  seemed  to  proclaim  eternal  peace,  and  as  we  cast  our  eye 
towards  Independence  HilJ,  we  half-doubted  that  only  on  the  eve- 
ning of  the  day  before,  we  had  heard  from  its  summit  the  booming 
roar  of  its  battery.  The  men  were  awakened  from  their  slumbers, 
and  without  breakfast  were  ordered  to  renew  the  line  of  march.  All 
wet  as  we  were,  we  mounted  into  the  saddle,  McCuUoch's  company 
taking  the  advance,  followed  by  the  whole  regiment  of  Rangers, 
while  the  remainder  of  the  division  came  up  in  close  order  of  bat- 
tle. We  had  proceeded  about  a  mile  and  a  half,  when  at  a  turn 
in  the  road,  near  a  hacienda,  called  San  Jeronimo,  we  came  in 
full  view  of  the  enemy's  forces,  cavalry  and  infantry,  numbering 
about  1500,  drawn  up  in  battle  array.  The  Saltillo  road,  and  the 
corn-fields  near  it,  seemed  filled  with  infantry.  The  head  of  our 
column  was  immediately  halted,  and  Col.  Hays*  regiment  ordered 
to  deploy  by  company  to  the  right,  and  dismount ;  which  we  did, 
forming  into  a  small  gulley.  The  light  companies  of  the  First 
Brigade,  under  Capt.  C.  F.  Smith  and  J.  B.  Scott,  supported  us 
with  Duncan's  light  artillery,  followed  by  the  battahons  and  heads 
of  columns.  Thus  drawn  up  in  order  of  battle,  the  two  forces 
stood  eyeing  each  other,  at  the  distance  of  two  hundred  yards, 
when  they  approached  slowly  and  opened  a  fire  from  their  sco- 
pets,  the  battery  on  Independence  Hill  at  the  same  time  open- 
ing on  the  column.  The  Rangers  were  now  ordered  to  mount, 
advance  upon  the  enemy,  and  take  position  by  the  fence,  on 


♦ 


m 


••fm*'-^i^f^'^^^ 


THE  CAVALRY  CHARGE.  -   157 

the  road-side,  when  they  returned  the  enemy's  fire  with  their 
rifles,  and  then  dismounted  under  cover  of  the  fence.  McCul- 
loch  being  on  the  extreme  right  did  not  get  this  order  in  time,  and, 
seeing  the  lancers  preparing  for  a  charge,  gallantly  led  up  his 
men  to  meet  them.  On  they  came,  at  a  full  gallop,  led  by  their 
brave  Lieut.  Col.  Juan  N.  Najera,  in  dashing  style,  with  pennons 
of  green  and  red  fluttering  in  the  wind.  McCulloch  received 
them  with  a  leaden  rain  of  rifles,  pistols,  and  shot  guns ;  while 
the  Texians  at  the  fence  poured  in  upon  them  a  deadly  fire.  The 
clash  was  great,  and  at  the  shock,  the  host  moved  to  and  fro,  as 
the  forest  bends  beneath  the  storm ;  but  our  horses  were  too  pow- 
erful to  be  overcome,  and  many  were  made  the  empty  saddles  that 
had  borne  the  enemy's  bravest  men.  We  saw  their  lieutenant  colo-. 
nel  fall,  while  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  and  exhorting  his  men 
to  rally  and  stand  firm.  He  was  a  tall,  splendid-looking  fellow, 
with  a  fierce  moustache,  and  beautiful  teeth,  which  were  set  hard, 
as  he  lay  on  the  ground  with  his  face  partly  turned  up,  his  eyes 
yet  giassy  in  the  struggle  of  death,  and  his  features  depicting 
the  most  marked  determination.  McCulloch's  men  were  now 
engaged  hand  to  hand  with  the  enemy's  lancers,  using  their  five- 
shooters,  while  some  few  beat  back  the  enemy  with  their  swords. 
We  were  at  this  time  within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  Saltillo 
road,  with  a  corn-field  on  our  left,  and  a  high  hill  on  our  right, 
[see  Map,  letter  C]  The  light  companies,  in  the  mean  time, 
and  Duncan's  artillery,  had  opened  their  fire,  and  the  enemy  was 
borne  back  with  great  slaughter,  carrying  with  them  a  portion 
of  McCuUoch's  men,  who  had  fought  their  way  nearly  to  the 
enemy's  centre,  and  seeing  their  peril,  were  fighting  their  way 
back.  Then  it  was  that  the  hardest  struggle  took  place.  Arm- 
strong, one  of  our  company,  was  unhorsed  by  a  lancer,  having 
received  two  wounds  ;  yet  on  foot,  with  sword  in  hand,  he  de- 
fended himself  against  two  of  the  enemy.  He  killed  one,  when 
an  Irishman  from  the  artillery  battalion  discovered  his  situation, 
and  saying  that  he  did  not  know  whether  he  had  buck  or  hall 
in,  as  he  drew  up  his  musket,  but  that  he  had  better  kill  them 
both  than  to  miss  the  Mexican,  fired  and  saved  the  Ranger! 
Fielding  Alston,  and  J.  F.  Minter,  also  of  our  company,  while 
fighting  gallantly,  received  two  lance  wounds.  Young  Musson 
of  New  Orleans,  who  had  joined  our  corps,  was  engaged  at  the 
same  time,  with  a  captain  of  cavalry,  hand  to  hand  in  a  sword 
fight,  and  at  one  time  became  very  nearly  overpowered ;  when 
asked  why  he  did  not  shoot  his  foe,  replied,  with  true  southern  chi- 
valry, that  "  the  Mexican  had  no  pistol,  and  it  would  have  been 
taking  an  advantage  over  him  !"  As  another  of  our  men  was  being 
overcome  by  a  Mexican,  the  gallant  Capt.  Cheshire,  a  private  in  the 

14 


158  DEFEAT   OF   THE   MEXICANS. 

Rangers,  dashed  up  to  his  rescue,  and  having  no  fire,  seized  a  holster 
pistol,  and  with  the  butt  end  of  it,  felled  the  Mexican  to  the  ground. 

McCulloch  had  been  twice  borne  back  with  the  Mexicans,  and 
making  a  desperate  struggle  to  gain  his  company,  he  put  his  horse 
to  his  speed,  running  every  thing  down  in  his  way,  and  regained 
his  command  without  a  scratch  !  The  Mexicans  had  taken  to  the 
hills,  and  the  regular  skirmishers,  or  light  companies  under  Capts. 
Smith  and  Scott,  continued  their  fire  over  our  heads,  killing  by  ac- 
cident one  of  the  Rangers.  About  this  time,  Capt.  Gutierrez,  of 
the  enemy's  cavalry,  who  had  received  three  wounds,  was  also 
killed  ;  he  died  fighting  to  the  last,  one  of  the  most  courageous  of 
his  race.  As  the  Mexicans  gave  way,  the  hght  companies  rushed 
up  the  hills,  firing  over  the  ridge  at  the  retreating  enemy,  who 
were  routed  and  flying  in  every  direction.  Parties  of  our  infan- 
try, w^ho  had  gained  the  corn-fields,  were  also  picking  off  the  Mex- 
ican infantry,  who  were  rapidly  retreating  in  the  road  leading  to 
the  city.  While  the  Mexicans  were  flying  over  the  hill,  the 
Texians  also,  with  their  unerring  rifles,  poured  on  them  a  most 
destructive  fire,  and  in  several  instances,  both  horse  and  rider 
were  seen  to  bound  some  feet  into  the  air,  and  then  fall  dead,  tum- 
bling down  the  hill.  This  most  brilliant  action  lasted  about  fifteen 
minutes,  during  which  time  150  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and 
wounded  ;  while  on  our  part  the  loss  was  trifling.  Several  of 
McCuUoch's  men  were  severely  w^ounded  by  the  enemy's  lancers, 
and  our  regiment  lost  only  one  killed.  The  squadron  that  had  so 
bravely  charged  McCulloch,  were  nearly  all  cut  to  pieces.  Lieut. 
Col.  Walker,  as  well  as  many  others,  had  their  horses  severely 
wounded.  Amid  the  scene  of  carnage,  lay  stretched  out  some  of 
their  bravest  men  in  gaudy  uniforms,  and  many  a  broken  lance  lay 
here  and  there,  while  the  road  and  hill-side  were  lined  with  their 
dead  horses,  beautifully  caparisoned,  the  saddles  ornamented  with 
silver  mountings,  presenting  a  wild  and  ghastly  scene.  Thirty-two 
of  their  dead  were  buried  in  one  pit. 

We  had  now  gained  that  part  of  the  Saltillo  road  which  led 
directly  to  the  city,  along  the  base  of  Independence  Hill.  Dun- 
can's horse  artillery,  (one  of  the  six-pounders  being  served  by 
Lieut.  Hays,)  and  Mackall's  battery,  were  drawn  up,  and  placed 
in  position  on  the  slope  of  the  ridge,  near  a  (ew  jacales  at  the  junc- 
tion of  the  roads,  and  opened  a  fire  upon  the  breastwork  of  sand- 
bags on  the  hill  of  the  Bishop's  Palace.  The  artillery  battalion,  5th, 
7th  and  8th  Infantry,  were  fonned  on  each  side  of  the  road,  while  the 
Texians,  dismounted,  having  hitched  their  horses  at  the  fence  near 
the  jacales,  were  ordered  to  deploy  to  the  right,  through  the  corn- 
fields, which  extended  towards  the  Rio  San  Juan  de  Monterey,  to 
act  in  the  advance  as  skirmishers  ;  an  attack  being  expected  from 


ANECDOTE   OF  A   RANGER.  159 

a  large  body  of  infantry,  which  had  retreated  from  the  support  of 
the  cavalry,  and  cowardly  left  it  to  its  fate,  and  now  formed  at  the 
foot  of  the  hill  of  the  Bishop's  Palace.  We  advanced  through  the 
corn-fields  by  single  file,  for  about  300  yards,  and  formed  along  the 
fence  on  the  road-side.  At  this  time,  a  battery  of  two  heavy  guns 
from  Loma  de  Federacion^  or  Federation  Hill,  (see  Map,  letter  (j.,) 
which  we  had  not  before  discovered,  opened  upon  us  a  galhng  fire 
of  round-shot,  the  balls  striking  into  the  very  midst  of  our  troops ; 
the  nine-pounder  from  Independence  Hill  continuing  to  throw  its 
shot  at  the  same  time,  with  great  precision,  at  our  batteries.  With 
such  skill  did  the  Mexican  gunners  serve  their  pieces,  that  several 
shot  fell  directly  in  the  midst  of  our  artillery,  but  fortunately  did 
no  injury.  It  was  at  this  time,  while  the  shot  of  the  enemy  flew 
so  thick,  that  one  of  our  number  was  ordered  by  Col.  Hays  to 
ascend  a  large  tree,  in  the  corn-field,  and  reconnoitre  the  Mexican 
infantry.  The  Ranger  reported,  that  the  enemy  kept  their  posi- 
tion, without  any  seeming  intention  of  advancing ;  and  receiving 
no  order  to  descend,  being  within  direct  range  of  the  enemy's  bat- 
tery, and  the  shot  flying  high,  he  asked  the  colonel  if  he  should 
come  down. 

"  No,  sir,"  said  Hays,  "  wait  for  orders." 

Soon  after,  the  Texians  were  directed  to  return,  when  they 
moved  rapidly  off',  leaving  the  Ranger  up  the  tree ;  and  Hays* 
attention  being  called  to  the  fact,  he  ran  back,  and  cried  out, 

"  Holloa,  there — where  are  the  Mexicans  ?" 

"  Going  back  up  the  hil],"  rephed  the  Ranger,  without  know- 
ing who  it  was  that  addressed  him. 

"  Well,  hadn't  you  better  come  down  from  there,"  said  Hays. 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  the  Ranger,  "  I  am  waiting  for  orders  1" 

"  Well,  then,  I  order  you  down,"  said  Hays. 

The  Ranger,  discovering  it  to  be  his  colonel,  without  waiting 
for  a  second  call,  like  Martin  Scott's  coon,  forthwith  descended 
from  the  tree. 

The  batteries  of  Duncan  and  Mackall,  doing  but  httle  execu- 
tion, and  being  so  entirely  exposed,  as  well  as  our  troops,  General 
Worth  ordered  the  command  to  take  position  about  800  yards  far- 
ther on  the  Saltillo  road,  near  a  sugar  rancho,  out  of  the  range 
of  the  enemy's  batteries :  (see  Map,  letter  D.)  As  the  division 
was  moving  up,  Capt.  McKavett,  of  the  8th  Infantry,  received 
a  round-shot  in  the  hip,  from  Fort  Independence,  and  was  instantly 
killed,  and  a  serjeant  of  the  same  regiment  wounded.  A  horse 
in  Capt.  Duncan's  light  artillery  was  also  killed.  The  rear  of 
the  division,  as  it  passed  in  range,  received  a  shower  of  shot 
and  shell  from  the  Mexican  batteries.  The  wagon  train,  particu- 
larly, as  it  came  rattling  along  at  rapid  speed,  received  marked 


160  MILITARY    SKILL    OF   GENERAL    TAYLOR. 

attention  ;  the  Mexicans  supposing  that  they  were  filled  with  our 
troops,  judging  us  by  their  own  low  cunning  tricks.  As  a  team 
turned  an  angle  in  the  road,  a  shot  passed  under  one  of  the  leader 
mules,  the  windage  of  which  made  the  animal  crouch  to  the  earth ; 
when  the  Irish  teamster  cracking  his  whip,  was  heard  to  exclaim, 
"  Up  out  of  that,  ye  divil  ye,  no  time  for  squatting  now,  sure  !" 

Gen.  Worth's  note,  written,  as  we  have  seen,  the  night  pre- 
vious, reached  Gen.  Taylor  early  the  next  morning.  The  general 
having  already  contemplated,  before  its  reception,  to  make  a  strong 
diversion  against  the  centre  and  left  of  the  town,  in  order  to  cover 
the  designs  of  Gen.  Worth  in  gaining  the  Saltillo  road,  and  in  tak- 
ing the  heights,  had  planted  a  battery  accordingly,  the  same  night. 
The  military  skill  of  General  Taylor  is  here  evident,  and  shows 
his  talent  of  perception ;  at  the  same  time  the  calculation  which  he 
had  made  will  appear  more  striking,  as  the  sequel  of  events  will 
show. 

As  soon,  then,  as  he  judged  that  Gen.  Worth  had  become  en- 
gaged with  the  enemy,  the  fire  of  his  mortar  and  howitzer  bat- 
tery was  opened  on  the  city  and  citadel,  and  the  loud  roar  of  Ame- 
rican artillery  was  heard  to  respond  to  the  Mexican  batteries  on 
the  heights,  and  re-echo  through  the  valley  and  hills.  The  First 
Division  of  regulars  under  Brig.  Gen.  Twiggs,  and  the  Third,  as 
we  have  designated  the  volunteers  under  Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  were 
marched  before  the  town,  leaving  only  one  company  of  each  regi- 
ment to  guard  the  camp.  The  2d  Dragoons  under  Lieut.  Col. 
May,  and  Col.  Wood's  Texian  Rangers,  under  Gen.  Henderson, 
were  ordered  towards  the  northern  approaches  to  make  a  demon- 
stration upon  the  upper  part  of  the  city,  as  well  as  to  support 
Gen.  Worth,  should  it  become  necessary.  We  shall  presently  see, 
^s  Gen.  Taylor  expected,  that  the  Mexicans  misconstrued  the  feint 
or  object  of  the  movement  made,  and  thought  that  Worth  had 
been  sent  around  to  favour  the  operations  of  Taylor,  and,  there- 
fore, when  we  had  gained  the  Saltillo  road,  and  engaged  the  ene- 
my, not  imagining  that  we  would  venture  to  assault  the  heights, 
they  drew  back  the  large  forces  which  tliey  had  sent  over  on  the 
night  of  the  20th,  upon  perceiving  the  strong  manifestations  of 
attack  made  by  Gen.  Taylor  on  the  following  morning. 

The  Second  Division  having  taken  up  its  position  on  the  Sal- 
tillo road,  along  the  base  of  a  chain  of  hills,  we  now  commanded  a 
full  view  of  the  enemy's  works  and  fortifications  on  the  western 
and  south-western  sides  ;  at  the  same  time  holding  the  avenues  of 
retreat  and  supplies,  and  preventing  a  reinforcement  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Saltillo.  Having  thus  secured  the  gorges  of  that  road,  it 
became  evident,  before  we  could  effect  a  lodgment  in  the  city,  or 
carry  on  any  available  operations  against  it,  that  it  would  be  ne- 


CRITICAL   POSITION   OF   GEN.  WORTH.  161 

cessaty  to  take  by  storm  the  batteries  on  the  adjacent  heights. 
It  was  now  about  10,  a.  m»,  when  a  party  of  Rangers,  who  had 
been  chasing  some  straggling  lancers  about  three  miles  up  the 
Saltillo  road,  near  a  stone  mill  at  the  narrow  gorge  of  Santa  Cata- 
rina,  reported  the  advance  of  a  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  from 
the  south-east  side  of  the  town.  Major  Brown  of  the  artillery  bat- 
tahon  was  immediately  despatched  with  several  of  the  light  com- 
panies, a  detachment  of  Mackall's  battery,  under  Lieut.  Irons, 
and  a  company  of  Texas  Rangers,  to  take  position  and  occupy  the 
mill,  on  whose  approach  the  enemy  retired.  At  this  time,  the 
main  body  of  the  Texas  Rangers  was  posted  at  the  junction  of  the 
roads,  near  the  sugar  rancho,  with  the  5th  and  7th  Infantry. 

The  position  Gen.  Worth  then  occupied  might  have  been  consi- 
dered as  critical  as  it  was  dangerous.  Separated  from  the  main  body 
of  the  army— his  communication  cut  off,  and  no  possible  route  less 
than  eight  miles  to  regain  it— with  but  scanty  supplies  of  provisions 
for  only  four  days — surrounded  by  gorges  and  passes  of  the  moun- 
tains, from  whose  summits  belched  forth  the  destructive  shot,  shell, 
and  grape ;  he  was  liable  at  any  moment  to  be  attacked  by  an 
overwhelming  force  in  the  direction  of  Saltillo,  which  had  been 
reported  to  be  daily  expected,  and  which  would  have  placed  his 
command  in  the  very  jaws  of  the  enemy.  For,  although  holding 
the  passes  and  gorges  of  the  Saltillo  road,  yet  a  superior  force  from 
the  advance  would  certainly  have  forced  him  back  to,  and  have 
turned  upon  him  the  very  passes  which  he  then  held.  It  was  feared, 
too,  from  his  impetuous  nature,  that  he  would  rush  his  command 
into  unnecessary  danger  by  some  rash  and  desperate  attempt. 
But  it  was  not  so.  He  was  collected,  calm,  and  cool,  and  bore 
himself  with  that  proud,  resolute,  and  commanding  mien,  giving 
his  orders  with  promptness  and  decision,  which  inspired  men  and 
officers  alike  with  confidence.  He  never  appeared  better  than  on 
that  day ;  and  all  felt  that  with  Worth  they  were  sure  of  victory. 
He  knew  that  Gen.  Taylor  had  staked  the  issue  of  the  battle  on 
him,  and  he  felt  the  great  and  weighty  responsibility  that  rested  on 
the  course  he  should  pursue.  As  he  surveyed  with  his  glass  the 
enemy's  works  before  him,  he  seemed  to  feel  that  not  a  moment 
was  to  be  lost.  He  saw  at  once  that  it  would  be  necessary  to 
carry  by  storm  the  battery  on  Federation  Hill,  situated  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  San  Juan  de  Monterey,  as  well  as  the  fort  on  the 
ridge  of  the  same  height,  called  Soldada,  about  six  hundred  yards 
from  the  battery,  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  (see  Map,  G  and  H,) 
as  these  two  batteries  commanded  the  approaches  from  the  Sal- 
tillo road,  as  well  as  the  egress  from  the  city.  For  this  purpose, 
Capt.  C.  F.  Smith,  of  the  2d  Artillery,  was  ordered  to  proceed 
with  his  own,  and  three  companies  of  the  artillery  battalion,  com- 

14* 


162  STORMING   OF   FEDERATION   HILL. 

manded  by  Lieuts.  Shackelford,  Van  Vliet,  and  Phelps — accom- 

Eanied  by  Lieut.  Edward  Deas,  of  the  quartermaster's  staff,  and 
lieut.  Gibson,  together  with  six  companies  of  the  Texas  Rangers, 
(dismounted,)  under  our  brave  and  gallant  Major  Chevalier,  com- 
manded by  Capts*  Gillespie,  Ballowe,  McCulIoch,  Chandler,  Green, 
and  McGowan.  The  whole  command  numbering  in  all  about 
three  hundred  men,  more  than  half  of  whom  were  Rangers. 

It  was  now  about  twelve  o'clock,  and  the  meridian  sun  poured 
down  its  hottest  rays.  Before  us  stood  the  steep  and  rugged  hill, 
about  three  hundred  and  eighty  feet  high,  whose  slopes  were  co- 
vered with  thick  and  thorny  chaparral.  With  a  glass  could  be 
seen  the  swarm  of  Mexicans  that  crowned  the  height,  while  its 
cannon,  which  looked  down  in  defiance  at  us,  seemed  to  threaten 
with  annihilation  all  who  dared  to  approach.  The  daring  of  the 
expedition  was  thought  to  be  one  of  the  last  hope  ;  and  men  looked 
forward  to  meet  death  calmly  in  the  face,  as  they  felt  that  it  was 
only  by  great  sacrifice  that  they  could  gain  a  victory.  Gen. 
Worth  rode  up,  as  the  command  moved  off,  and  pointing  to  the 
height,  said  :  "Tl/ew,  you  are  to  take  that  hill — and  I  know  you 
will  do  it.^^  With  one  response  they  replied,  "  We  will."  And 
those  who  before  had  felt  a  doubt  as  to  its  practicability,  now  be- 
came reanimated,  and  felt  themselves  invincible.  The  words  of 
Worth  had  nerved  every  arm,  and  hearts  swelled  with  that  proud 
feeling  of  enthusiasm  which  make  men  indomitable  before  the  foe. 
The  command  took  up  its  line  of  march  along  the  Saltillo  road, 
and  then  struck  off  to  the  right,  through  fields  of  corn  and  sugar, 
in  single  file,  in  order  to  conceal,  as  far  as  possible,  the  movement 
from  the  enemy.  On  we  hurried,  in  double-quick  time,  brusthng 
through  the  rows  of  cane  and  corn,  towards  the  river  bank.  It 
was  soon  evident  that  we  were  discovered,  and  while  yet  in  the 
fields,  the  batteries  opened  upon  us  a  fierce  and  plunging  fire,  en- 
veloping the  crown  of  the  hill  with  smoke,  through  which  could 
be  seen  the  blazing  of  the  cannon  which  seemed  to  vie  with  the 
sunbeam's  glare.  On  we  pressed,  towards  their  murderous  artil- 
lery, until  we  gained  the  bank  of  the  rapid  stream  which  we  had 
to  cross.  Unprotected  and  exposed  to  the  very  face  of  the  enemy, 
a  terrific  storm  of  shot  and  grape  was  now  poured  into  our  ranks. 
Nothing  daunted,  the  men  rushed  into  the  sweeping  current,  waist 
deep,  while  the  enemy's  shot,  as  it  struck  the  water,  sent  forth  a 
hissing  sound,  and  made  the  river  boil  and  foam  with  the  whistling 
windage  of  their  venomous  copper  balls.  Bravely  did  our  men 
stem  the  current,  amid  the  shower  of  galling  grape,  and  soon  we 
reached  the  opposite  bank,  and  clambered  up  the  rocky  steep, 
without  the  loss  of  a  man  ! 

We  had  now  gained  the  cover  of  the  thick  chaparral,  and  the 


Ik 


m 


STORMING   OF   FEDERATION    HILL.  163 

command  was  halted  for  the  men  to  take  breath,  as  well  as  to  let 
the  water  drain  from  their  shoes  and  clothes.  Large  reinforce- 
ments of  the  enemy  were  arriving,  and  their  sharp-shooters  were 
seen  descending  the  slopes  of  the  hill  in  masses,  and  occupying 
favorable  positions  in  order  to  make  the  most  determined  resist- 
ance. This  was  at  once  perceived  by  Gen.  Worth,  who  was 
anxiously  watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  immediately 
ordered  the  7th  Infantry,  under  Capt.  D.  S.  Miles,  which  was  com- 
posed of  only  seven  companies,  commanded  by  Capts.  T.  H.  Holmes, 
R.  C.  Gathn,  R.  H.  Ross,  G.  R.  Paul,  D.  P.  Whiting,  and  Lieut. 
Humber,  and  the  adjutant  of  the  regiment,  Lieut.  Page,  to  our 
support.  It  was  no  longer  necessary  to  attempt  the  concealment 
of  our  object,  and  therefore  Capt.  Miles  marched  directly  for  the 
foot  of  the  height,  and  arrived  under  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  before 
Capt.  Smith's  command  had  come  up.  Roar  after  roar  of  the 
enemy's  musketry  now  rattled  over  the  plain  below.  But  Capt. 
Miles  firmly  kept  his  position,  while  Lieuts.  Gantt,  Gardner,  and 
Little,  of  the  7th,  were  sent  back  with  a  small  party  to  engage  the 
attention  of  th^  enemy,  until  our  force  should  arrive ;  and  while 
thus  engaged,  several  of  their  men  fell  wounded.  Hearing  the 
roar  of  musketry,  Capt.  Smith  ordered  his  men  forward,  antici- 
pating that  the  enemy  was  engaging  our  reinforcement.  On  we 
rushed  for  the  base  of  the  hill,  while  shower  after  shower  of  grape 
und  musket  balls  rained  down  in  torrents  upon  us.  As  we  reached 
the  hill-side,  we  became  protected  from  the  enemy's  artillery, 
which  they  could  not  depress  so  as  to  bring  us  within  range. 
Here  we  met  the  7th  Infantry ;  and  as  the  men  reached  the  base 
of  the  hill,  a  fire  was  immediately  opened  by  the  Texians,  who 
commenced  ascending  the  steep  and  rocky  cliffs,  pouring  into  the 
enemy  the  fire  of  their  deadly  rifles,  which  made  them  stagger 
and  retreat  towards  the  crest.  The  command  steadily  advanced, 
the  regulars  vieing  with  the  Texians  in  gaining  the  height,  and 
volley  after  volley  was  followed  up  by  the  wild  cheers  and  shouts 
of  the  men,  which,  as  we  drove  back  the  retreating  foe,  seemed 
to  strike  their  hearts  with  terror.  It  was  one  incessant  flash  and 
peal  of  light  arms.  Inch  by  inch  they  disputed  our  ascent, 
until  at  last  they  gave  way  under  our  terrible  fire.  Bearing 
back  the  stricken  foe,  we  carried  the  height  with  shouts  of  vic- 
tory, which,  echoing  again  and  again  through  the  mountain  glens, 
until  they  reached  the  valley  below,  met  the  response  of  our 
companions,  as  they  saw  the  flag  of  the  victors  proudly  waving 
on  the  crest,  and,  swelhng  upon  the  air,  re-echoed  back  their  loud 
huzzas  in  approbation  of  our  brilliant  success.  Here  we  captured 
a  nine-pounder,  the  gun-carriage  being  overturned,  with  the  evi- 
dent purpose  of  throwing  it  down  the  hill.     But  so  hotly  were 


164  STORMING   OF   FORT   SOLDADA. 

they  pressed,  that  they  had  not  the  time  to  carry  out  their  inten- 
tion. In  less  than  five  minutes  after  the  taking  of  this  height, 
the  cannon  was  remounted,  under  the  direction  of  Lieut.  Edward 
Deas,  and  turned  upon  the  retreating  enemy. 

In  the  mean  time,  Gen.  Worth  had  ordered  Brig.  Gen.  Smith 
to  proceed  and  reinforce  us  with  the  5th  regiment,  under  Major 
Martin  Scott,  consisting  of  six  companies,  commanded  by  Capts* 
M.  E.  Merrill,  Wm.  Chapman,  Lieuts.  D.  H.  McPhail,  N.  B. 
Rossell,  J.  A.  Whitall,  and  Mortimer  Rosecrants,  with  Lieut. 
George  Deas,  adjutant  of  the  regiment,  and  Capt.  Blanchard's 
company  of  Louisiana  Volunteers.  Col.  Hays  accompanied  the 
detachment  with  a  party  of  the  Texas  Rangers,  which  had  been- 
ordered  up  as  a  further  support.  This  command  had  now  joined 
the  7th  Infantry,  and  was  seen  advancing  at  a  hurried  pace  along 
the  southern  side  of  the  hill  towards  Fort  Soldada,  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  from  the  battery  on  the  crest  of  the  same  hill,  a  regular 
fortification,  to  which  the  enemy  had  retreated,  and  made  a  stand. 
As  Gen.  Smith  rode  up,  he  shouted  to  Capt.  Smith  to  take  the 
other  fort,  but  the  command  was  hardly  necessary,  for  already 
were  the  Texians  in  hot  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  while  the  5th  and 
7th  were  seen  advancing  in  extended  order  up  the  hill.  On 
rushed  ChevaHer,  with  his  brave  Texians,  facing  a  storm  of  mur- 
derous grape,  while  the  enemy's  round-shot  and  musketry  rattled 
like  hail  along  the  ridge  of  the  hill.  Without  wavering,  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Smith  advanced  to  the  onslaught.  From  the  hill- 
side, shout  after  shout  went  up,  which  told  how  close  the  5th  and 
7th,  under  Gen.  Smith,  were  approaching  the  top  of  the  height, 
while  the  cheers  from  the  Texians,  and  Capt.  Smith's  command, 
as  we  drove  in  the  advance  of  the  Mexicans  to  the  fort,  showed  the 
eagerness  of  the  well-contested  race  among  the  commands,  to  be 
the  first  to  arrive  at  the  fort.  The  brave  Capt.  R.  A.  Gillespie,  of  the 
Rangers,  was  the  first  to  gain  and  mount  the  enemy's  works  ;  then 
followed  the  5th  Infantry,  with  Serjeant  Updegrass,  who  bore  the 
colours  of  that  regiment  into  the  fort,  at  the  very  heels  of  the  enemy, 
and  planted  the  standard  on  its  breastworks.  Almost  at  the  same 
time,  arose  the  colours  of  the  gallant  7th,  and  the  flag  of  our  foe 
was  hauled  down  mid  the  triumphant  shouts  and  cheers  of  the  vic- 
tors, which  vibrated  through  the  very  heart  of  the  city.  Lieut.  Thos. 
G.  Pitcher,  of  the  5th  Infantry,  was  one  of  the  gallant  spirits  who 
was  first  in  at  the  fort,  and  turning  around  to  some  Texians  as 
they  approached  a  nine-pounder,  which  had  been  captured,  said, 
"  Well,  boys,  we  hked  to  have  beaten  you,"  and  pulling  out  a  ' 
piece  of  chalk,  wrote  on  the  gun,  "  Texas  Rangers,  and  bth  In- 
fantry."  This  piece,  which  the  enemy  in  their  flight  had  left 
loaded  and  primed,  with  the  gun  captured  at  Fort  Federacion^ 


ACCIDENTS   AND   INCIDENTS.  165 

was  immediately  turned  upon  the  Bishop's  Palace,  situated  on  the 
southern  slope  of  Loma  Independencia^  a  valley  of  only  600  yards 
intervening.  Several  tents,  mules,  and  a  large  quantity  of  ammu- 
nition were  also  captured.  The  storming  of  this  height  lasted 
about  one  hour  and  thirty  minutes,  and  the  force  of  the  enemy 
was  computed  about  1500.  Their  loss  was  very  severe ;  while 
on  our  part,  but  some  eighteen  were  wounded,  two  of  which  proved 
mortal.  When  the  advantageous  positions  which  the  enemy  oc- 
cupied, and  the  difficulties  which  had  to  be  surmounted  on  our 
part,  are  taken  into  consideration,  this  small  loss  seems  almost  in- 
credible. 

While  storming  Fort  Soidada,  Serjeant-major  Brand,  of  the  5th 
Infantry,  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  jaw,  by  a  canister-shot, 
and  fell  by  the  side  of  Adjutant  Deas,  who  was  also  knocked 
down  by  the  concussion  ;  under  a  gaUing  fire  of  grape  and  canis- 
ter, he  carried  the  wounded  soldier  to  a  place  of  security,  and 
then,  with  the  proud  feelings  of  his  noble  daring,  rushed  on  to 
the  taking  of  the  battery.  The  gallant  little  band  of  Louisianians, 
under  Capt.  A.  G.  Blanchard,  fought  side  by  side  with  the  Texi- 
ans,  and  were  among  the  first  that  reached  the  forts.  Lieuts.  Ten- 
brinck,  and  the  two  Nicholls,  brothers,  of  this  company,  greatly 
distinguished  themselves  in  the  affair.  Among  the  wounded  were 
Lieut.  Rossell,  of  the  5th,  and  Lieut.  Potter,  of  the  7th  Infantry ; 
John  P.  Waters,  C.  E.  De  Witt,  OKver  Jenkins,  and  Thomas  Law, 
privates  of  McCulloch's  company,  were  also  wounded,  while 
bravely  rushing  on  to  the  attack,  the  two  former  badly.  On  the 
commands  all  meeting,  there  was  a  general  congratulation  and 
shaking  of  hands  among  friends,  while  the  safety  of  others  were 
eagerly  inquired  after.  It  was  indeed  a  most  animated  scene. 
Men  flushed  with  victory,  and  begrimed  with  powder,  stood  hold- 
ing with  a  firm  grasp  the  hands  of  their  companions  in  arms, 
while  relating  some  httle  incident  or  adventure  of  the  fight,  and 
then  a  loud  peal  of  laughter  would  burst  forth  from  the  different 
groups,  at  some  ludicrous  description  of  the  runaway  Mexicans. 
During  this  scene,  the  guns  from  the  Palace  belched  forth  its  fire 
of  grape,  which  was  but  little  heeded ;  and  as  the  shot  whizzed 
over  our  heads,  it  seemed  only  to  add  to  our  merriment,  while  the 
captured  guns  were  made  to  answer,  in  return,  the  compliment. 

It  was  indeed  a  wild  scene,  and  to  add  to  its  wildness  and  no- 
velty, the  surrounding  mountains  loomed  up  on  either  side,  with 
their  rugged  peaks  piercing  the  very  clouds — to  the  left  were 
seen  the  battlements  of  the  Bishop's  Palace,  with  the  banner  of 
Mexico,  half  concealed  by  the  smoke  of  its  cannon  ;  below  coursed 
the  murmuring  and  rapid  San  Juan,  with  green  fields  on  either 
side  ;  far  to  the  east  lay  the  city  of  Monterey,  enveloped  in  smoke. 


166  GENERALSHIP    OF   WORTH. 

with  its  towering  steeples  overlooking  that  once  peaceful  valley, 
but  which  was  now  made  to  quake  with  the  thunder  of  artillery, 
which  told  of  the  bloody  conflict  that  was  progressing  on  that  side 
of  the  town. 

It  was  now  about  half-past  3  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  different  parties 
were  looking  after  the  wounded  which  lay  along  the  brow  of  the 
hill,  and  on  the  slopes.  Many  of  the  poor  fellows  were  suffering 
greatly,  and  asking  for  water.  It  was  a  touching  sight  to  see 
friends  bending  over  the  wounded,  while  they  applied  their  can- 
teens to  parched  and  fevered  lips.  They  were  all  brought  down 
and  safely  conveyed  to  the  hospitals  in  camp,  where  they  received 
every  attention  from  the  surgeons  of  the  army.  Capt.  Smith's 
command,  with  the  5th  and  7th  Infantry,  was  left  to  keep  posses- 
sion of  the  height,  while  the  Texians  were  ordered  down  to  at- 
tend to  their  horses.  As  we  recrossed  the  river,  and  passed 
through  the  fields  of  sugar  and  corn,  the  ground  was  strewn  here 
and  there  with  blankets,  muskets,  pistols,  &c.,  which  the  men  had 
thrown  away  in  their  pursuit,  finding  them  too  great  an  incum- 
brance in  crossing  the  river. 

As  soon  as  the  height  was  carried,  Gen.  Worth  sent  off*  a  cou- 
rier with  the  news  to  Gen.  Taylor,  having  previously  despatched 
a  messenger  with  the  result  of  the  engagement  with  the  enemy, 
which  took  place  in  the  morning.  The  generalship  exhibited  by 
Worth  in  the  plan  of  attack  upon  the  height,  is  deserving  of  the 
highest  praise.  It  was  felt  by  all  to  have  been  a  most  daring  and 
perilous  assault,  and  on  it  depended,  in  a  measure,  the  future 
success  of  the  division;  for  had  we  been  repulsed  with  loss, 
without  carrying  the  height,  it  would  not  only  have  damped  the 
ardour  of  the  men,  but  greatly  periled  our  position.  As  the  gene- 
ral stood  watching  with  his  glass  the  enemy,  with  all  the  excite- 
ment and  intense  feeling  of  anxiety  for  the  command  of  Captain 
Smith,  his  cool  judgment  dictated  the  course  to  pursue ;  and  he 
sent  forward  reinforcement  after  reinforcement  to  support  the 
storming  party,  and  to  save  their  retreat,  should  they  have  been 
forced  to  fall  back,  while  at  the  same  time  this  prudent  course 
enabled  the  whole  force  not  only  to  sustain  a  decisive  action,  but 
to  save  the  loss  of  life,  as  well  as  to  gain  the  victory. 

The  day  was  fast  fading,  and  dark  clouds  lowered  threateningly 
upon  the  mountains  and  over  the  valley.  As  night  spread  her 
dark  veil  over  the  besieged  city  and  the  invading  army,  the  storm 
burst  with  all  its  violence,  and  the  rain  fell  in  torrents.  The  din 
of  battle  between  the  two  armies  ceased,  and  the  valley  of  Monte- 
rey sank  once  more  to  repose  ;  and,  save  the  occasional  lightning's 
flash,  and  the  roaring  of  the  thunder  of  heaven,  which,  as  it  were, 
re-enacted  the  scene  of  the  deadly  conflict  of  the  day,  all  became 


HOSPITALITY   OF   A   MEXICAN   WOMAN.  167 

hushed.  The  division  had  now  been  thirty-six  hours  wither.^ 
food,  and  although  they  had  undergone  the  severest  fatigue,  the 
troops  passed  the  night  exposed  to  the  storm',  without  shelter  or 
cover.  Those  who  were  not  on  duty,  lay  down  with  their  arms 
in  their  hands,  and  soon  fell  asleep,  forgetting  both  fatigue  and 
hunger.  The  troops  on  Federation  Hill  fared  the  same,  only,  if 
possible,  their  situation  was  more  dreary.  The  Texians  encamped 
in  the  yard  of  some  jacales,  on  the  Saltillo  road  leading  to  the  city, 
near  where  the  morning  conflict  took  place.  We  had  to  walk 
some  two  or  three  hundred  yards  to  a  field,  to  procure  corn  for  our 
horses,  after  grooming  and  feeding  which,  the  men  lay  down  as 
best  they  could,  to  catch  an  hour  of  sleep.  In  one  of  the  jacales 
lived  a  Mexican,  with  his  wife  and  two  children.  During  the 
heavy  rain  some  of  the  men  sought  shelter  under  the  eaves  of  the 
house,  when  the  Mexican  woman  came  out  and  asked  them  in,  at 
the  same  time  offering  to  share  with  them  the  frugal  supper 
which  had  been  prepared  for  her  little  family.  The  invitation 
was  readily  accepted  ;  and  although  it  was  but  a  mouthful  of  meat 
and  bread  that  was  offered  them,  yet  it  was  received  with  the 
warmest  gratitude  and  most  sincere  thanks.  The  Mexican  wo- 
man gazed  with  feelings  of  emotion  at  the  men  as  they  swallowed 
the  morsel,  and  then,  in  one  of  the  most  sweet  and  silvery  tones 
we  ever  listened  to — such  as  only  a  woman  can  utter — expressed 
her  sorrow  that  she  had  not  more  to  give.  She  was  about  twenty 
years  of  age,  a  little  above  the  medium  height,  with  a  slender 
form,  yet  beautifully  rounded,  which  her  low,  short-sleeve  dress 
set  off  very  prettily,  and  was  the  most  inteUigent  woman  that  we 
had  yet  met  with  in  Mexico.  Her  features  were  Grecian,  with  a 
clear  olive  complexion  and  transparent  skin,  through  which  man- 
tled the  crimson  blood,  giving  her  cheeks  a  rich  and  beautiful 
colour.  She  had  soft,  lustrous  black  eyes,  which  danced  with 
animation  when  she  spoke,  lighting  up  her  beautiful  face,  while 
her  glossy  black  hair  fell  in  ringlets  down  her  neck ;  and  when 
she  smiled,  she  displayed  a  set  of  teeth  unrivalled  for  whiteness 
and  beauty.  Her  voice,  too,  as  we  have  said,  soft  and  hsping, 
made  the  language  she  spoke  more  captivating  than  we  had  ever 
heard  it.  There  was  a  douceur  of  manner  about  her  that  gained 
the  esteem  of  all  the  Texians ;  and  whether  it  was  that  her  gene- 
rosity made  us  think  her  an  angel,  or  not,  one  thing  is  certain,  we 
shall  never  forget  her  kindness. 

Although,  with  the  closing  of  the  day,  two  victories  had 
crowned  our  arms,  and  we  had  gained  a  foothold  in  the  enemy's 
rear,  yet  the  main  work  was  yet  to  be  done,  as  the  battery  on 
Independence  Hill  and  the  Bishop's  Palace  commanded  the  main 
avenue  to  the  city,  the  possession  of  which  became  of  primary  im- 


168       OPERATIONS   OF   THE   FIRST   AND   THIRD   DIVISIONS. 

portance  to  our  future  success.  Ere  night  had  closed  the  scene, 
Gen.  Worth  had  planned  the  attack,  and  orders  were  issued  for 
the  Texians  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  by  3  o'clock  the  next 
morning.  As  the  men  lay  down,  they  were  conscious  of  the  short 
time  that  was  given  for  repose,  and  knew  that  yet  another  bloody 
fight  and  more  difficult  and  hazardous  enterprise  awaited  them  on 
the  early  morrow. 

Before  we  wake  the  slumbering  soldiers  of  the  Second  Division, 
or  before  we  relate  the  occurrences  of  the  following  day,  we  must 
ask  those  who  have  so  kindly  followed  us  thus  far  in  our  narrative, 
to  accompany  us  back  to  the  camp  of  Gen.  Taylor,  in  order  to  give 
to  our  readers  the  proceedings  of  the  First  and  Third  Divisions  on 
the  memorable  day  of  the  21st  of  September. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Operations  of  the  21st  of  September  on  the  Eastern  side  of  Monterey — Advance 
of  the  First  and  Third  Divisions  from  Camp — The  Reconnoissance  of  Major 
Mansfield — Col.  Garland  moves  tovi'ardsthe  City  with  1st  and  3d  Infantry — 
The  Attack— Desperate  Conflict — The  Repulse — Fall  of  Lear,  Barbour, 
Field,  Williams,  and  Irwin — Advance  of  Quitman's  and  Earner's  Brigades — 
The  Baltimore  Battalion — Death  of  Watson,  R.  H.  Graham,  Hoskms,  and 
Woods — Lieut.  Col.  McClung's  Charge — The  Taking  of  Fort  Teneria — 
Col.  Davis  advances  to  charge  Fort  El  Diablo — The  Ohio  Regiment  enters 
the  Streets — Gallantry  of  the  Troops — Gen.  Butler  wounded — Col.  Gar- 
land  advances  to  the  Tete-de-Pont — His  Position  gallantly  maintained — 
Fall  of  Morris  and  Hazlitt — Repulse  of  the  Enemy's  Cavalry  by  Bragg  and 
Ridgely — Gen,  Butler's  Division  returns  to  Camp — Gen  Twiggs'  Division 
occupies  the  Captured  Forts— Gen.  Taylor — The  Night— Scene  of  the 
Battle-field. 

In  describing  the  operations  on  the  eastern  side  of  Monterey, 
we  cannot  be  expected  to  give  to  our  readers  as  particular  an  ac- 
count of  the  details  of  the  fight  as  those  given  on  the  western  side, 
where  we  were  an  eye-witness.  Having,  however,  ridden  over 
the  ground  after  the  battle,  we  had  the  position  of  the  First  and 
Third  Divisions,  commanded  by  Gens.  Twiggs  and  Butler,  de- 
scribed to  us,  as  well  as  the  localities  pointed  out  by  officers  who 
participated  in  the  terrible  three-days'  battle  of  the  storming  of 
Monterey.  Being  then  somewhat  famihar  with  the  ground,  and 
aided  by  the  different  reports  obtained  from  our  friends,  we  shall 
try  to  give  to  the  reader  as  full  an  account  as  possible. 

As  we  have  seen  in  the  last  chapter.  Gen.  Taylor  had  antici- 
pated Gen.  Worth's  note  which  had  been  written  on  the  night  of 
the  30th,  and  on  the  same  night  had  planted  a  howitzer  and  mor- 
tar battery,  (see  Map,  letter  O,)  to  play  upon  the  town  and  citadel. 


POSITIONS    OF   OUR   ARMY.  169 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the  First  and  Third  Divisions  were 
again  ordered  out  to  sustain  the  diversion  in  favour  of  Gen.  Worth, 
according  to  the  plan  of  attack.  At  7  o'clock,  a.  m.,  the  camp  at 
Walnut  Grove  was  under  arms,  and  preparations  made  for  every 
emergency ;  a  camp-guard,  consisting  of  one  company  from  each 
regiment,  being  detailed  to  protect  the  rear,  should  the  enemy 
show  himself  in  that  direction.  The  force  that  marched  out  con- 
sisted of  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  men.  In  battle  array 
the  martial  columns  moved  forward ;  the  Texian  Rangers  of  Col. 
Wood,  and  the  dragoons,  leading  the  van,  followed  by  the  batte- 
ries of  artillery  and  the  regiments  of  infantry.  No  music  of  a  mar- 
tial lay  timed  the  marching  of  the  men  ;  no  bugle  blast  rang  over 
the  vale  to  proclaim  the  advance  of  the  troops ;  and,  save  the 
clang  of  arms,  the  columns  moved  forward  like  the  deep  low  swell 
of  the  mountain  wave.  It  was  a  splendid  sight !  The  banners 
of  the  different  regiments  waved  proudly  on  the  breeze,  while 
thousands  of  glistening  bayonets  played  in  the  sunbeams,  and  re- 
flected back  their  dazzhng  rays.  Officers  and  men  marched 
proudly  forth  in  high  spirits,  and  with  swelling  bosoms  ;  and  many 
a  noble  soul  who  had  marked  out  for  himself  the  part  of  chivalric 
bravery,  was  destined  to  leave  behind  the  fame  of  his  gallant 
deeds  so  dearly  won  on  the  battle-field,  as  his  only  monument. 

The  column  halted  at  the  mortar-battery,  situated  on  an  emi- 
nence in  front  of  the  city,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant ; 
while,  as  we  have  seen,  the  dragoons,  under  Brevet  Lieut.  Col. 
May,  and  Col.  Wood's  regiment  of  Texas  Rangers,  under  Gen. 
Henderson,  took  position  on  the  right  to  make  an  impression  on 
the  upper  part  of  the  city,  as  well  as  to  support  Worth,  in  case  of 
necessity.  Col.  Garland  was  then  ordered  to  proceed  with  the  3d 
Infantry,  commanded  by  Maj.  Lear,  numbering  about  240  men, 
and  the  1st  Infantry,  commanded  by  Maj.  Abercrombie,  with  the 
battahon  of  Washington  and  Baltimore,  commanded  by  Lieut. 
Col.  Watson,  the  former  numbering  180,  and  the  latter  229  men, 
composing  the  brigade  under  Lieut.  Col.  Wilson — making  in  all 
a  force  of  649  men,  accompanied  by  Capt.  Bragg's  battery  of 
hght  artillery,  towards  the  eastern  or  lower  part  of  the  town,  with 
orders  to  make  a  strong  demonstration,  and,  if  practicable,  to  carry 
some  one  of  the  enemy's  advanced  works  at  the  point  of  the  bay- 
onet, if  it  could  be  done  without  too  heavy  loss.  Major  Mans- 
field, of  the  engineers,  accompanied  this  command  to  make  a  re- 
connoissance,  and  was  charged  with  its  direction,  and  to  de- 
signate the  points  of  attack  ;  assisted  also  by  Capt.  Williams  and 
Lieut.  Pope,  of  the  topographical  engineers,  and  Col.  Kinney  of 
Texas. 

To  account  for  the  small  numbers  of  the  regiments  of  regulars, 

15 


170  COL. 

we  will  state,  that,  after  the  battle  of  the  Resaca,  the  regiments 
were  reduced  to  six  companies,  which  generally  contained  not 
over  fifty  men.  We  will  also  remark,  that,  from  the  low  and  con- 
cealed position  of  the  forts  and  redoubts  at  the  lower  end  of  the 
city,  they  could  not  well  be  seen,  and  it  was  impossible  to  approach 
close  enough  to  make  a  reconnoissance  without  drawing  forth  a 
murderous  fire  from  the  Citadel  fort.  The  object  of  General  Tay- 
lor, by  the  manoeuvre  ordered  to  be  executed  by  Col.  Garland, 
was  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  enemy  from  Gen.  Worth — at  the 
same  time  to  carry  any  of  the  outer  works,  if  it  could  be  done 
without  too  great  a  sacrifice,  and  without  bringing  on  a  general 
engagement  with  the  enemy. 

The  mortar,  which  was  served  by  Capt.  Ramsay  of  the  ord- 
nance, and  the  howitzer  battery,  under  Capt.  Webster  of  the  1st 
Artillery,  had  now  opened  their  fire  upon  the  Citadel,  and  drew 
forth  a  steady  response  from  that  work.  The  command  of  Col. 
Garland  moved  off  to  a  safe  position  towards  the  lower  end  of  the 
city,  (see  route  on  the  Map,)  when  Maj.  Mansfield  despatched 
Lieutenant  Pope  for  two  companies  to  support  him  in  making  a 
reconnoissance.  Col.  Garland  ordered  the  advance  company, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  HazHtt,  and  the  company  of  Capt. 
Field,  both  of  the  3d  Infantry,  to  be  detached  for  that  purpose. 
The  detachment  had  proceeded  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  when 
the  enemy  opened  their  fire  from  the  battery  of  four  guns,  in  the 
redoubt  No.  1,  (see  Map.)  At  the  same  time,  a  large  body  of 
Mexican  lancers  showed  themselves,  and  a  fire  of  musketry  was 
immediately  opened  on  both  sides.  Col.  Garland  was  now  ordered 
to  advance  with  his  whole  command  in  line  of  battle,  to  support 
the  detachment.  On  rushed  the  men  in  double-quick  time,  en- 
countering a  deadly  fire  of  artillery  from  the  redoubt,  as  well  as 
an  enfilading  fire  from  the  Citadel.  Lieut.  R.  Dilworth,  of  the 
1st  Infantry,  here  fell  mortally  wounded  by  a  12-pounder.  Pass- 
ing the  redoubt  by  a  flank  movement  200  yards  to  the  right,  they 
soon  came  within  range  of  the  enemy's  musketry,  and  entered  the 
narrow  lanes  of  the  suburbs,  in  the  rear  of  the  first  redoubt, 
about  200  yards  distant.  Capt.  Bragg's  battery  having  been 
sent  for,  the  gallant  captain  came  down  at  a  full  gallop,  exposed 
for  nearly  half  a  mile  to  the  fire  of  the  heavy  guns  of  the  Cita- 
del, and  soon  brought  his  battery  into  action  in  one  of  the  narrow 
lanes  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  directing  his  fire  towards  the 
barricades,  but  with  little  effect.  The  command  now  sustained  a 
most  terrible  and  appalling  fire.  Winged  messengers  of  death 
flew  in  all  directions,  and  our  ranks  thinned  on  every  side.  Peal 
after  peal  of  the  enemy's  artillery  from  the  Citadel  and  from  the 
batteries  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  sent  forth  their  deadly  missiles  of  round- 


MAJ.  PHILIP   N.  BARBOUR.  171 

shot,  grape,  and  canister,  while  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  from 
the  houses  and  covers  was  kept  up  without  cessation.  Capt. 
Bragg's  battery,  doing  but  Httle  execution,  was  ordered  to  move 
to  a  place  of  greater  security.  The  infantry,  however,  pressed 
forward  amid  this  storm  of  destruction,  and,  although  officers  and 
men  were  falhng  beside  them,  they  fought  on  with  the  most  de- 
termined perseverance,  when,  being  repulsed  on  all  sides,  they 
were  ordered  by  Maj.  Mansfield,  who  was  wounded,  to  retire  to 
another  position,  which  they  did  in  good  order.  In  this  despe- 
rate conflict,  the  3d  regiment  lost  nearly  all  its  officers.  Its  com- 
mander, Maj.  W.  W.  Lear,  fell  mortally  wounded  at  the  head  of 
his  regiment,  and  the  brave  and  gallant  Maj.  Barbour,  with  Capt. 
G.  P.  Field,  and  Lieut.  D.  S.  Irwin,  the  adjutant,  were  killed. 
Lieut.  J.  C.  Terrett,  of  the  1st  Infantry,  and  the  accomplished 
Capt.  WilHams  of  the  topographical  engineers,  were  also  mor- 
tally wounded. 

We  cannot  pass  on  without  stopping  a  moment  to  add  our  tri- 
bute to  the  memories  of  the  lamented  Barbour  and  WilHams,  who 
were  our  personal  friends. 

"  Philip  Nourbone  Barbour  was  born  in  Henderson,  in  the  state 
of  Kentucky,  on  the  14th  of  April,  1813.  His  grandfather.  Gen. 
Samuel  Hopkins,  was  a  regular  officer  in  the  revolutionary  war ; 
and  his  father.  Col.  Philip  Barbour,  commanded  a  regiment  of 
volunteers,  under  Gov.  Shelby,  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames.  He 
graduated  at  West  Point  in  June,  1834,  and,  from  the  autumn 
of  that  year  until  the  day  of  his  death,  was  engaged  in  constant 
and  dangerous  service.  He  was  brevetted  a  captain  for  very  gal- 
lant services  in  Florida,  on  the  15th  of  April,  1842 ;  and  a  major 
from  the  9th  of  May  last,  for  gallant  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Re- 
saca  de  la  Palma.  In  the  latter  battle,  while  in  the  command  of 
only  a  few  men,  he  repulsed  two  successive  charges  of  a  con- 
siderable body  of  Mexican  lancers,  who  were  attempting  to  reco- 
ver a  piece  of  artillery  which  had  been  captured  by  a  portion  of 
the  4th  Infantry.  The  daring  and  heroic  gallantry  displayed  by 
him  at  that  critical  moment,  the  signal  rout  of  the  Mexicans  at 
that  point,  and  his  hot  pursuit  of  them,  in  the  opinion  of  his 
fellow-officers,  largely  contributed  to  the  brilliant  success  of  our 
arms."  He  fell  in  the  streets  of  Monterey  while  leading  his 
company  on  to  battle,  in  the  very  thickest  of  the  fight,  fearlessly 
breasting  the  terrible  fire  of  the  masked  batteries,  which  lost  to 
his  regiment  its  commander  and  adjutant,  and  four  out  of  six  of 
the  officers  commanding  companies  !  When  the  army  was  en- 
camped near  Marin,  he  kindly  lent  us  his  portfolio  to  write  our 
then  last  letter  home  ;  having  finished  it  as  he  came  into  the  tent, 
we  gave  him  our  letter  to  seal  for  us,  and  at  the  same  time  offered 


172  CAPT.  WILLIAM   G.  WILLIAMS. 

him  some  muscal  from  our  canteen.  Procuring  a  couple  of  tin 
cups,  he  said,  with  a  sad  smile,  "  Well,  Reid,  as  it  may  be  our 
last  drink,  I  won't  refuse  you.*'     We  never  saw  him  afterwards. 

Capt.  William  G.  Williams  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  and 
was  a  graduate  of  the  Military  Academy.  He  entered  the  ser- 
vice in  July,  1824,  and  was  a  second  lieutenant  in  the  7th  Infantry, 
and  afterwards  entered  the  topographical  engineers ;  he  was 
bre vetted  in  January,  1834,  and  was  made  a  captain  in  that  corps 
in  July,  1838.  Capt.  WilHams  was  one  of  the  most  talented  and 
scientific  officers  in  the  army.  He  had  travelled  for  some  years 
in  iEurope,  where  he  made  researches  in  his  profession,  and 
served  his  country  with  all  the  zeal  and  fervour  of  his  patriotic 
soul.  He  accompanied  us  on  several  scouting  expeditions,  and 
was  with  us  in  the  skirmish  at  Ramos,  where  he  was  foremost 
with  our  men,  fearlessly  exposing  himself  on  all  occasions,  and 
seemingly  courting  death.  Capt.  WiUiams  fell  mortally  wounded 
in  the  streets  of  Monterey,  and  was  dragged  into  the  doorway  of 
a  house,  by  Lieut.  John  Pope,  amid  a  shower  of  balls  that  covered 
him  with  dust.  This  gallant  act  of  Lieut.  Pope  is  worthy  of  the 
highest  admiration.  Capt.  W.  died  the  next  day,  and,  having 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Mexicans,  was  buried  by  them  with 
the  honours  of  war. 

Capt.  Bragg,  in  withdrawing  his  battery  from  the  narrow  posi- 
tion he  occupied  in  the  lane,  was  obhged  to  unhmber  the  gun- 
carriages  and  reverse  them.  Four  of  his  horses  were  killed,  and 
seven  wounded.  These  had  to  be  replaced  ;  and,  in  retiring,  he 
was  again  exposed  to  the  same  deadly  cross-fire.  In  this  move- 
ment, he  lost  two  men  killed  and  four  wounded.  Maj.  J.  J. 
Abercrombie,  commanding  the  1st  Infantry,  having  passed  two 
of  the  enemy's  advanced  works,  succeeded  in  gaining  possession 
of  some  houses  on  the  left,  when  he  was  wounded,  and  fell  from 
his  horse  by  the  side  of  Col.  Garland.  Capt.  J.  H.  Lamotte, 
also  of  the  1st,  received  two  wounds  while  gallantly  leading  his 
company,  and  was  obhged  to  retire.  Capt.  A.  S.  Miller,  who 
had  been  warmly  engaged  driving  the  enemy  from  the  hedges 
and  stone  fences,  near  the  advanced  work,  now  took  command  of 
the  remnants  of  companies  C,  E,  G,  and  K,  of  the  1st  Infantry,  in 
conjunction  with  Lieut.  S.  Hamilton,  acting  adjutant  of  that  regi- 
ment, in  place  of  Lieut.  J.  C.  Terrett,  who  was  wounded. 

No  sooner  was  it  discovered,  by  the  deafening  discharge  of  the 
enemy's  artillery  and  musketry,  that  Garland's  command  had  en- 
gaged in  bloody  conflict,  than  Gen.  Taylor  immediately  ordered 
three  regiments  Of  Gen.  Butler's  division,  (which  had  taken  up  its 
position  in  the  rear  of  the  mortar  battery,)  consisting  of  the  Ohio, 
under  Col.  Mitchell,  a  part  of  Gen.  Hamer's  brigade,  the  Tennes- 


ADVANCE  OF  THE  BALTIMORE  BATTALION.      173 

see,  Col.  Campbell,  and  the  Mississippi,  under  Col.  Davis  ;  the 
two  latter,  composing  Brig.  Gen.  J.  A.  Quitman's  brigade,  with 
the  4th  Infantry,  commanded  by  Brevet  Major  G.  W.  Allen, 
(two  companies  of  which,  not  receiving  the  order,  did  not  join  the 
advance  until  sometime  afterwards,)  to  march  by  a  flank  move- 
ment to  the  left,  in  the  direction  of  Battery,  No.  1.  The  1st  Ken- 
tucky regiment,  under  Col.  Ormsby,  was  left  to  cover  the  mortar 
and  howitzer  battery,  as  well  as  to  keep  in  check  the  enemy's 
cavalry — in  which  service  it  was  employed  throughout  the  day. 

We  have  endeavoured,  by  a  critical  research,  to  give  the  order 
of  the  several  movements  made  by  the  divisions  of  Gens.  Twiggs 
and  Butler,  in  the  storming  of  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  but  find 
the  task  beyond  our  power,  in  consequence  of  the  commands  being 
separated,  and  many  corps  acting,  at  times,  separately  and  con- 
jointly. We  have  also  been  deprived  of  Gen.  Quitman's  report 
of  the  battle  of  the  21st,  which,  for  some  reason,  was  not  pubHsh- 
ed,  as  well  as  many  others — thus  rendering  the  thing  impossible. 
Whole  companies  were  cut  to  pieces,  while  others  were  left  with- 
out officers,  and  joined  other  commands. 

We  must  go  back  for  a  moment,  when  the  gallant  and  wounded 
Mansfield  ordered  Col.  Garland's  command  to  retire,  in  order  to 
connect  the  chain  of  incidents  ;  for  which  purpose,  we  give  the 
reader  the  following  account  of  proceedings  prior  to  that  time,  by 
an  officer  of  the  Washington  and  Baltimore  battalion,  from  which 
we  make  the  following  extracts  : — 

"  Our  battalion  was  immediately  formed  in  line  of  battle  under 
this  fire,  and  we  were  ordered  to  charge.  *  *  *  *  Judge 
of  my  astonishment,  when  I  beheld  the  four  companies  of  regu- 
lars marching  by  a  flank  to  the  right.  I  saw  Col.  Watson  shout- 
ing, but  as  to  hearing  a  command,  that  was  an  impossibility, 
owing  to  the  deafening  roar  of  the  cannon  and  musketry.  I  saw  the 
head  of  our  line  changing  its  direction,  and  I  knew  at  once  that 
the  point  of  attack  was  changed,  and  ran  to  the  head  of  my  com- 
pany to  intercept  the  head  of  the  column.  I  reached  it  just  as 
Col.  Watson  was  dismounting  from  his  horse,  which  the  next 
moment  fell  from  a  shot.  The  colonel  cried  out  to  the  men, 
*  Shelter  yourselves,  men,  the  best  way  you  can.'  At  this  time, 
the  battalion  was  scattered  over  a  space  of  about  an  acre,  and  the 
men  were  lying  down,  the  shot  in  most  instances  flying  over  our 
heads  ;  but  the  guns  were  soon  depressed,  and  the  shot  began  to 
take  effect." 

"  I  was  lying  close  to  Col.  Watson,  alongside  of  a  hedge,  when 
he  jumped  up  and  cried  out,  '  Now's  the  time,  boys,  follow  me.' 
We  were  now  in  a  street  or  lane,  with  a  few  houses  on  either  side, 
and  within  a  hundred  yards  of  three  batteries  which  completely 

15* 


174  THE   TERRIBLE   ONSLAUGHT. 

raked  it,  in  addition  to  which,  two  twelve-pound  guns  were  planted 
in  the  castle  on  the  right,  and  completely  enfiladed  the  whole  dis- 
tance we  had  to  make.  Add  to  this,  the  thousand  musketeers  on 
the  house-tops,  and  in  the  barricades  at  the  head  of  the  street  up 
which  we  advanced,  and  at  every  cross  street,  and  you  may  form 
some  idea  of  the  deluge  of  balls  poured  upon  us.  (Bear  in  mind 
that  the  four  companies  of  regulars  were  now  with  us,  the  one  inter- 
mingled with  the  other.)  Onward  we  went,  men  and  horses  fall- 
ing at  every  step.  Cheers,  shrieks,  groans  and  words  of  command 
added  to  the  din,  whilst  the  roar  of  the  guns  was  absolutely  deafening. 

"  We  had  advanced  up  the  street  under  this  awful  and  fatal 
fire,  nearly  two  hundred  yards,  when  we  reached  a  cross  street, 
at  the  corner  of  which  all  who  had  succeeded  in  getting  this  far 
alive,  halted,  as  if  by  mutual  consent.  I  was  shaking  Col.  Wat- 
son by  the  hand,  while  he  was  complimenting  me,  when  a  shower 
of  grape,  round  and  canister  shot  came  from  the  corner  above,  and 
jive  officers  fell,  and  I  do  not  know  how  many  privates.  Each 
man  sought  some  place  of  apparent  shelter. 

"  I  sat  down  on  the  ground,  with  my  back  to  the  wall  of  a 
house.  On  my  left  were  two  men  torn  nearly  to  pieces.  One  of 
them  was  lying  flat  on  his  back,  with  his  legs  extending  farther 
in  the  street  than  mine.  Crash  came  another  shower  of  grape, 
which  tore  one  of  his  wounded  legs  off.  He  reared  up,  shrieked, 
and  fell  back  a  corpse.  1  never  moved,  for  I  was  satisfied  that 
one  place  was  as  safe  as  another.  Directly  opposite  to  me  was 
my  Brevet  2d  Lieut.  Aisquith ;  on  the  right  hand  corner  was 
Lieut.  Bowie,  also  of  my  company ;  and  close  to  me  sat  Col. 
Watson,  and  Adjt.  Schaeler.  In  a  few  minutes,  I  saw  our  colour- 
serjeant,  old  Hart,  come  past  with  his  right  arm  shattered,  (it  has 
since  been  amputated,)  and  in  a  few  minutes,  there  came  our  bat- 
talion flag,  borne  by  one  of  the  colour-guards,  our  glorious  stars 
and  stripes  ;  and,  note  this,  that  it  was  the  first  American  flag  in 
the  city  of  Monterey — an  honour  which  we  know  belongs  to  our 
battalion."     *     *     *     * 

"  No  man  there  ever  thought  for  a  moment  that  he  would  get 
out  alive,  and  most  of  them  did  not.  The  firing  still  continued 
without  the  slightest  intermission,  whilst  we  remained  at  this  me- 
morable corner,  which  was  perhaps  for  fifteen  minutes.  When 
we  were  ordered  to  charge  up  the  street,  a  shght  hesitation  was 
manifested  by  both  regulars  and  volunteers,  but  the  officers  sprang^ 
to  the  front  in  double  file." 

"  We  advanced,  I  suppose,  about  fifty  yards,  when  Col.  Gar- 
land, of  the  army,  ordered  us  to  retire.  We  still  advanced,  and 
he  again  ordered  us  to  retire,  adding  this  time,  in  good  order.  I 
now  became  separated  from  Col.  Watson,  and  never  saw  him 


DEATH   OF   COL.    WATSON.  175 

again.  He  took  the  left-hand  side  of  the  street,  and  I  the  right 
hand,  and  when  I  reached  the  open  field  where  he  had  first  or- 
dered us  to  lie  down,  I  was  joined  by  Lieut.  Aisquith,  who,  to  my 
inquiry,  answered  that  he  had  just  left  the  colonel,  and  supposed 
that  he  would  soon  be  with  us.  Seeing  no  other  officer  around 
me,  I  raUied  the  battalion,  and  led  them  down  to  make  another 
attack  upon  the  fort.     *     *     *     * 

"  As  well  as  I  can  learn,  the  colonel,  in  retiring  from  the  city, 
inclined  a  good  deal  to  the  left,  and  became-  separated  from  the 
main  body  of  the  battalion ;  that,  in  company  with  Lieut.  Bowie, 
who  remained  with  him,  he  met  another  column  advancing  to  the 
attack,  joined  them  with  the  few  men  he  had  with  him,  and  fell  a 
few  moments  afterwards.  He  met  with  a  gallant  soldier's  death, 
his  face  to  the  foe.  His  loss  is  deplored  by  all  who  knew  his  ge- 
nerosity of  heart,  and  chivalry  of  character." 

The  lamented  Col.  Watson  was  shot  through  the  neck,  while 
gallantly  leading  on  his  men,  about  seventy  yards  from  the  Re- 
doubt, No.  1. 

It  was  during  this  critical  moment,  when  the  command  of  the 
intrepid  Garland  was  being  swept  by  the  enemy's  artillery,  and 
fighting  on  without  hope,  that  the  brigade  of  the  brave  Lieut.  Col. 
Wilson  suffered  most.  Twice  had  the  order  been  given  them  to 
retire,  but  on  they  pressed,  now  wrapped  in  smoke,  and  concealed 
from  view ;  and  again  as  it  would  lift,  would  be  seen  the  fell 
havoc  that  was  made  in  their  ranks.  During  this  time,  Capt.  E. 
Backus,  of  the  1st  Infantry,  with  his  company,  had  pushed  ahead 
and  gained  a  stone  building,  (a  tannery,)  the  top  of  which  looked 
directly  into  the  gorge  of  battery,  No.  1,  at  a  distance  of  about  200 
yards.  He  immediately  ordered  his  men  to  take  position,  and 
poured  a  most  destructive  fire  into  the  redoubt,  and  the  strongly 
fortified  building  (a  sugar-house)  in  its  rear,  which  contributed 
greatly  to  the  surrender  of  the  fort. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  three  regiments  of  volunteers,  command- 
ed by  Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  were  advancing  to  Garland's  support. 
The  Mississippi  and  Tennessee  regiments,  under  Brig.  Gen.  Quit- 
man, marched  to  the  left  in  direction  of  battery.  No.  1,  called  Fort 
Teneria,  while  Gen.  Butler,  with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  a  part 
of  Gen.  Hamer's  brigade,  of  Ridgely's  battery,  accompanied  by 
three  companies  of  the  4th  Infantry,  and  a  section,  entered  the 
town  to  the  right. 

The  battle  now  became  furious — the  incessant  roar  of  cannon, 
and  the  rattHng  of  musketry,  told  how  desperate  was  the  conflict. 
The  cross-fire  was  indeed  terrible.  On  marched  Quitman's  bri- 
gade, led  by  four  companies  of  the  4th  Infantry,  about  400  yards 
in  the  advance,  breasting  the  dreadful  storm,  which  made  them 


176  TAKING    OF   FORT    TENERIA. 

stagger,  and  at  once  struck  down  one-third  of  the  officers  and  men, 
rendering  it  necessary  for  the  remainder  to  retire,  and  effect 
a  junction  with  the  two  other  companies  then  advancing.  Lieut. 
Hoskins,  the  adjutant,  and  Lieut.  J.  S.  Woods,  of  the  2d,  but 
serving  with  the  4th,  were  killed ;  and  Lieut.  R.  H.  Graham 
fell  mortally  wounded.  Thus  the  3d  and  4th  both  lost  their 
adjutants,  who  were  two  of  the  most  noble  and  accomplished  offi- 
cers in  the  army.  The  Mississippians  and  Tennesseans  stea- 
dily advanced,  braving  the  galHng  fire  of  copper  grape,  which 
swept  through  their  ranks,  until  the  centre  of  the  Mississippi  rifle 
regiment  rested  about  300  yards  in  front  of  the  fort,  with  the 
Tennessee  regiment  formed  on  the  left.  It  was  the  crisis,  and 
the  storm  of  battle  was  now  at  its  height.  The  order  was  given 
to  "  advance  andjirey  For  thirty  minutes  their  fire  was  kept 
up,  while  the  men  continued  to  push  forward.  The  long  lines 
moved  until  within  about  100  yards  of  the  fort,  when  they  became 
lost  in  the  volume  of  smoke  that  enveloped  them.  The  Mexicans 
had  run  up  a  new  flag  in  exultation,  and  in  defiance  of  the  as- 
sault, which  was  now  being  made  in  front  and  rear,  while  the 
deafening  fire  of  their  artillery,  and  the  rattling  of  musketry, 
seemed  more  deadly  than  ever.  The  brave  and  chivalric  Lieut. 
Col.  McClung  then  ordered  a  charge  ;  and  calling  on  the  "  Tom- 
bigbee  volunteers,"  a  company  he  formerly  commanded,  and  the 
"  Vicksburg  Southrons,"  of  Capt.  Willis,  to  follow  him,  he  rushed 
forward  to  the  attack.  Col.  Davis  also  gave  the  order  to  charge 
nearly  at  the  same  time,  or  shortly  after,  anticipating  Gen.  Quit- 
man, who  was  just  on  the  point  himself  of  issuing  the  same  order. 
With  desperation  the  lines  came  down  upon  the  fort,  and  the 
escalade  was  made  with  the  fury  of  a  tempest.  Burning  for  re- 
venge, the  men  faced  the  terrific  fire,  and  marched  up  to  the  very 
mouths  of  the  enemy's  cannon,  while  their  daring  recklessness 
made  the  Mexicans  quail,  and  fall  back  terror-stricken  from  their 
guns.  Forward  sprang  the  gallant  McClung  and  leaped  the  ditch; 
with  sword  in  hand,  and  brandishing  it  over  his  head,  he  mounted 
the  ramparts  and  entered  the  fort,  while  the  regiment  rushed 
after  him,  cheered  on  by  the  gallant  Col.  Davis,  and  followed  by 
the  brave  Tennesseans  of  the  noble  Campbell.  Lieut.  W.  H. 
Patterson,  of  Capt.  Rogers's  "  Tombigbee  volunteers,"  was  the 
second  man  in  the  fort,  to  whom  a  Mexican  officer  surrendered 
and  gave  up  his  sword,  and  but  an  instant  passed  before  the  un- 
daunted Capt.  D.  H.  Cooper  with  his  high-souled  corps  of  "  Wil- 
kinson county  volunteers,"  and  the  whole  brigade,  had  entered, 
when  a  yell  and  shout  of  triumph  rose  above  the  din  of  battle,  and 
a  wild  hurra  rang  over  the  scene  of  strife,  which  sent  forth  the 
"harbinger of  victory." 


GALLANTRY  OF  THE  VOLUNTEERS.     '      ll^l 

The  Mexicans  fled  in  dismay,  and  ran  to  the  strong  fortified 
building,  called  the  distillery,  about  seventy-five  yards  in  the  rear, 
vv^hence  they  opened  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry.  Without  paus- 
ing, the  heroic  McClung,  followed  by  the  brigade,  rushed  on  in 
pursuit,  charged  and  entered  the  work,  which  immediately  sur- 
rendered. While  a  Mexican  officer  was  praying  for  quarters,  and 
caUing  out  to  McClung  that  he  had  surrendered,  the  gallant  colo- 
nel received  two  severe  wounds,  being  shot  through  the  hand  and 
body,  and  was  caught  by  Lieut.  W.  P.  Townsend,  of  the  Missis- 
sippi regiment,  who  supported  him  from  falling.  As  the  men 
rushed  in,  they  beheld  McClung  and  the  Mexican  officer,  and 
thinking  that  the  latter  had  shot  him,  the  Mexican  was  immedi- 
ately slain.*  On  the  arrival  of  Col.  Davis,  who  reached  the  dis- 
tillery at  the  same  time  with  McClung,  by  another  entrance,  he 
received  the  sword  of  another  Mexican  officer,  who  surrendered 
his  command  to  him.  Five  pieces  of  artillery,  a  considerable  quan- 
tity of  ammunition,  and  thirty  prisoners,  including  three  officers, 
here  fell  into  our  hands  ;  the  prisoners  were  placed  in  charge  of 
Lieut.  Armstrong.  The  brigade  did  not  halt  here,  but  moving 
on  with  rapidity,  led  by  Col.  Davis,  they  prepared  to  charge  the 
second  fort,  called  El  Diablo,  about  300  yards  in  the  rear  of  the 
last  work,  when  Gen.  Gluitman  ordered  them  to  fall  back,  and  they 
retired. 

Thus,  after  a  most  desperate  and  bloody  conflict,  of  more  than 
two  hours,  was  one  of  the  enemy's  strong  works  carried  by  storm, 
notwithstanding  the  obstinate  resistance  they  maintained.  Con- 
sidering that  it  was  the  first  time  that  the  troops  of  Gen.  Butler's 
division  were  ever  brought  into  action — sustaining,  as  they  did,  a 
desperate  struggle  against  a  sheltered  and  inaccessible  foe — unpro- 
tected and  bared  to  the  storm  of  the  murderous  artillery  of  the 
enemy,  which,  although  it  swept  one-fifth  of  their  number  from 
the  ranks,  caused  them  not  to  shrink  for  an  instant  from  a  steady 
advance,  proves  to  the  world  the  undaunted  gallantry  of  our 
citizen  soldiers,  who  have  won  for  themselves  the  reputation  of 
veteran  troops — the  charge  led  by  the  Mississippi  rifle  regiment 
upon  Fort  Teneria,  without  bayonets,  has  gained  for  the  state  a 
triumph  which  stands  unparalleled. 

It  was  now  about  10  o'clock,  a.  m.,  and  the  most  briUiant  achieve- 
ment of  the  day  being  over,  the  battalion,  under  shelter  of  the  fort 

*  Colonel  McClung  was  not  in  the  act  of  receiving  the  sword  from  the  Mexi- 
can officer,  when  he  was  shot,  as  has  been  stated,  nor  was  it  certainly  known 
who  shot  him  at  the  time.  His  wounds  at  first  were  feared  to  be  mortal ;  he 
remained  in  the  hospital  at  Monterey,  until  after  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  a 
period  of  over  five  months,  when  he  was  enabled  to  leave  for  his  home,  and 
has  since  fully  recovered,  to  the  great  gratification  of  his  many  firiends. 


178  THE   TENNESSEE    AND    OHIO    REGIMENTS. 

and  distillery,  kept  a  continued  fire  until  evening.  The  victory 
had  Ijeen  dearly  won,  and  many  a  brave  soul  fled  on  high,  amid 
the  scene  of  bloody  conflict.  Besides  Col.  McClung,  Capt.  N.  R. 
Downing,  of  the  Raymond  Fencibles,  and  Lieuts.  H.  F.  Cook, 
R.  K.  Arthur,  and  the  gallant  L.  T.  Howard,  were  wounded. 
The  whole  number  killed  was  fourteen,  and  forty-seven  wounded. 
The  brave  Tennesseeans  suffered  more  than  any  other  regiment, 
and  fought  with  all  the  reputed  chivalry  of  that  gallant  state. 
Among  their  killed  were  Capt.  W.  B.  Allen  and  Lieut.  S.  M. 
Putnam.  Maj.  R.  B.  Alexander,  and  Lieuts.  G.  H.  Nixon,  J.  L. 
Scudder,  and  J.  C.  Allen,  were  wounded.  The  loss  of  the  regi- 
ment was  26  killed,  and  75  wounded. 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  with  the  Ohio  Regiment  under  Col.  Mitchell, 
had,  in  the  mean  while,  entered  the  border  of  the  town,  but  find- 
ing a  sweeping  fire  opposed  his  farther  progress,  reported  the 
fact  to  Gen.  Taylor,  who  was  but  a  short  distance  in  the  rear, 
when  a  retrograde  movement  was  directed.  Hardly,  however, 
had  the  order  been  given,  before  it  was  known  that  the  intrepid 
and  heroic  volunteers  of  Gen.  Gluitman's  brigade  had  carried  Fort 
Teneria,  when  the  order  was  immediately  countermanded,  and  the 
Ohio  troops  of  Gen.  Hamer's  brigade  ordered  to  enter  the  town  at 
a  point  farther  to  the  left,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  pos- 
sibility of  carrying  the  second  fort,  called  El  Diablo.  The  regi- 
ment advanced  under  a  most  destructive  fire,  and  after  half  an 
hour's  march  arrived  within  about  one  hundred  yards  of  the 
second  fort.  The  converging  fires  from  the  different  batteries 
now  swept  through  their  ranks,  with  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry 
flanking  the  approach,  which  poured  forth  a  storm  of  leaden  rain, 
covering  the  intervening  space  through  which  it  was  necessary  to 
pass.  Gen.  Butler  here  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  leg,  but 
notwithstanding,  with  the  most  determined  bravery,  he  resolved 
to  carry  this  strong  work  by  storm,  and  was  in  the  act  of  directing 
the  advance,  when,  becoming  faint  with  the  loss  of  blood,  he  was 
obliged  to  leave  the  field  in  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Hamer. 
Col.  A.  M.  Mitchell,  Capt.  James  George,  Lieut.  A.  W.  Arm- 
strong, Adjt.,  and  Lieuts.  N.  H.  Niles,  H.  McCarty,  and  Lewis 
Morter,  were  also  wounded,  and  Lieut.  M.  Hett,  killed.  The 
men  were  falling  fast,  yet  still  they  kept  up  an  unflinching  and 
steady  fire  upon  the  enemy,  when,  finding  the  work  to  be  much 
stronger  than  was  at  first  supposed,  and  that  it  could  not  be  car- 
ried without  immense  loss.  Gen.  Hamer,  by  advice  of  Gen.  Butler, 
withdrew  his  troops  to  a  less  exposed  position.  The  command  of 
the  regiment  now  devolved  upon  Lieut.  Col.  J.  B.  Weller. 

Soon  after  the  taking  of  Fort  Teneria,  the  gallant  Ridgely 
came  up  with  his  battery  and  took  position  near  it.     The  artiUery 


DEATH   OF  MORRIS  AND   HAZLITTJ  179 

captured  from  the  enemy  was  immediately  placed  in  battery, 
under  the  supervision  of  Gen.  Twiggs,  and  served  by  /Capt. 
Ridgely  against  Fort  El  Diablo,  until  the  arrival  of  Capt.  Web- 
ster's howitzer  battery,  which  took  its  place.  Capt.  Bragg's 
battery,  having  been  refitted,  had  also  taken  position  near  the 
captured  fort.  An  incessant  fire  was  kept  up  on  this  position  from 
Fort  El  Diablo  and  other  works  on  its  right,  and  from  the  large 
guns  in  the  Citadel  on  all  our  approaches. 

During  the  attack  upon  Fort  El  Diablo,  Col.  Garland's  com- 
mand, which  had  been  joined  by  the  remnant  of  the  4th  Infantry 
under  Maj.  W.  M.  Graham,  was  ordered  again  to  advance  and 
enter  the  town  to  the  right,  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  the  rear 
and  carrying  the  fort  in  the  reverse.  Passing  several  barricaded 
streets,  raked  by  the  artillery  and  infantry  of  the  enemy,  the  com- 
mand halted,  while  Capt.  L.  N.  Morris,  who  had  succeeded  to  the 
command  of  the  3d  Infantry,  followed  by  Maj.  Graham  with  the 
4th  Infantry,  entered  the  back  of  a  garden  to  the  left  and  pressed 
forward,  when,  instead  of  gaining  the  rear  of  the  fort,  they  came 
upon  a  tete-de-ponf,  one  of  the  strongest  defences  of  the  city,  and 
from  the  opposite  side  of  the  bridge  two  pieces  of  artillery  were 
brought  to  bear  upon  them  at  a  distance  of  a  little  over  one  hun- 
dred yards.  Here  fell  the  brave  Capt.  Morris,  who  was  carried 
into  a  house  by  his  noble  friend,  Lieut.  R.  Hazlitt,  and  who  but 
a  few  moments  after  was  also  cut  down.  The  command  of  the 
3d  then  fell  to  Capt.  Bainbridge,  who  was  shortly  after  wounded, 
and  succeeded  by  Capt.  Henry.  After  maintaining  their  position 
in  the  most  gallant  manner,  against  fearful  odds,  this  Spartan  band 
was  forced  to  retire,  which  they  did  in  good  order.  Capt.  Geo. 
Mason  Graham,  of  the  Louisiana  Volunteers,  acted  upon  this 
occasion  as  aid-de-camp  to  Col.  Garland,  and  served  with  great 
gallantry. 

While  this  column  was  absent,  a  body  of  about  five  hundred  of 
the  enemy's  cavalry  moved  out  under  cover  of  the  heavy  guns  of 
the  citadel,  with  the  intention  of  attacking  the  rear  of  our  army, 
where  many  small  parties  were  engaged  in  carrying  ofl^  our  killed 
and  wounded.  Before  they  had  advanced  far,  they  came  upon 
the  Ohio  Volunteers,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Weller,  and  a  part  of  the 
Mississippi  regiment,  whom  they  charged,  but  were  repulsed 
with  considerable  loss.  Shortly  after  they  again  showed  them- 
selves, having  been  reinforced  by  an  additional  squadron,  and 
were  preparing  for  a  second  charge,  when  Gen.  Taylor,  observing 
the  movement,  ordered  Capt.  Bragg  to  repel  them.  Proceeding 
with  his  battery  to  a  favourable  position,  supported  by  a  mixed 
command  under  Capt.  Miller  of  the  1st  Infantry,  without  being 
discovered  by  the  enemy,  Capt.  Bragg  poured  into  them  a  fire  as 


180  THE   NIGHT — tHE   BATTLE-FIELD. 

unexpected  as  it  was  destructive,  and  which  made  them  retreat 
rapidly  towards  the  city.  A  demonstration  of  the  enemy's  cavalry 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  was  also  dispersed  in  the  course 
of  the  afternoon  hy  Capt.  Ridgely's  battery.  Capt.  George 
Shivers'  company  of  Mississippi  and  Texas  foot  volunteers  served 
with  Bragg's  battery  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  and  performed 
most  admirable  and  distinguished  service. 

Our  repulse  in  the  last  attacks  terminated  the  regular  fighting 
for  the  day.  The  main  object  had  been  effected.  A  terrible  and 
powerful  diversion  had  been  made  to  favour  the  operations  of  Gen. 
Worth's  division,  in  order  to  carry  out  the  masterly  conception  of 
taking  the  city  in  the  reverse.  The  day  was  fast  drawing  to  a 
close,  and  the  volleys  of  musketry  had  ceased,  but  the  enemy's 
cannon  from  the  forts  and  Citadel  still  continued  to  keep  up  an 
incessant  roar.  The  troops  of  Gen.  Butler's  division  were  now 
ordered  back  to  camp,  when  they  again  became  exposed  to  the 
enemy's  artillery  as  it  swept  over  the  plain.  The  regular  infantry 
of  the  First  Division,  and  Capt.  Ridgely's  battery,  with  a  battalion 
of  the  Kentucky  regiment,  commanded  by  Major  Sheppard,  and 
the  company  of  Capt.  Shivers,  were  detailed  as  a  guard  for  the 
works  during  the  night.  Intrenching  tools  were  procured,  and 
additional  strength  was  given  to  the  works,  and  protection  to  the 
men,  by  working  parties  during  the  night,  under  the  direction  of 
Lieut.  Scarritt,  of  the  engineers. 

Throughout  the  day.  Gen.  Taylor  had  moved  through  that  fear- 
ful and  terrific  storm  as  if  he  held  a  charmed  life.  Here  and 
there .  his  person  was  seen  as  he  sat  upon  his  war-steed  giving 
orders,  or  watching  with  intense  and  painful  interest  the  fate  of 
the  storming  parties.  Heavy  clouds  lowered  upon  the  mountain 
tops,  and  as  night  cast  her  veil  over  the  besieged  city  and  valley, 
the  rain  fell  in  torrents,  as  if  weeping  for  the  loss  of  the  many 
brave  spirits,  while  the  winds  whistling  over  the  plain  bemoaned 
the  sad  fate  of  the  dying  and  the  dead. 

"It  was  a  horrible  sight  to  one  not  accustomed  'to  blood  and 
carnage.'  The  dead  lay  in  almost  every  possible  position.  Some 
of  the  wounded  were  screaming,  in  agony,  as  they  were  hauled 
off  in  wagons  ;  others  lay  on  the  ground,  begging  for  water  and 
assistance  ;  some  hobbled  along  assisted  by  comrades  ;  and  a  few, 
as  we  passed,  turned  a  mute  but  imploring  glance,  as  if  they  de- 
sired help,  and  knew  it  would  not  be  given.  At  the  moment,  it 
seemed  to  me  feeling  was  dead — the  regiment  was  marching 
rapidly  to  the  fort,  the  enemy  was  blazing  at  it  with  their  cannon, 
and  in  a  few  minutes  all  expected  to  be  in  the  midst  of  a  new  con- 
flict. Men's  nerves  were  strung  to  a  high  pitch,  and  no  one  knew 
but  in  an  hour  he  might  be  laid  out  also.   About  five  or  six  o'clock, 


THE   SECOND   DAY.  181 

a  chilling  rain  commenced,  and  poured  down  in  torrents  ;  during 
a  part  of  the  night,  our  encampment  was  almost  covered  with 
water;  no  tents  had  been  prepared  for  the  wounded,  (some  of 
whom  were  not  found  that  night ;)  they  were  crowded  in  with 
their  comrades ;  surgical  operations  and  treatment  were  in  pro- 
gress nearly,  or  quite  all  night,  and  altogether  we  had  a  fair  spe- 
cimen of  the  *  horrors  of  war.*  " 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  Second  Day — Description  of  Independence  Hill — The  Storming  of  the 
Height — The  Fall  of  Gillespie  and  Thomas — The  7th  Infantry — Capt.  Miles' 
diversion — Sortie  by  the  Enemy  from  the  Bishop's  Palace — The  5th  In- 
fantry— Lieut.  Roland's  Howitzer — Capt,  Vinton's  Ruse — The  Charge  of  the 
Enemy  from  the  Bishop's  Palace — Their  Defeat — The  Charge  of  our  Troops 
— The  Taking  of  the  Palace — Duncan's  Battery — Gen.  Worth's  Bulletins— 
The  Close  of  the  Day — Capt.  Walker — Incidents  of  his  Life. 

At  three  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  September,  the 
troops  that  had  been  detailed  to  storm  the  fort  on  Independence 
Hill  were  aroused  from  their  slumbers.  It  was  dark  and  cloudy, 
with  a  heavy,  thick  mist.  The  command  consisted  of  three  com- 
panies of  the  artillery  battalion,  under  Capt.  J.  R.  Vinton,  acting 
major,  Lieut.  Benjamin,  adjutant,  commanded  by  Capt.  J.  B.  Scott, 
Lieuts.  Bradford  and  G.  W.  Ayres ;  three  companies  of  the  8th 
Infantry,  under  Capt.  R.  B.  Screven,  commanded  by  Lieuts. 
James  Longstreet,  T.  J.  Montgomery,  and  E.  B.  Holloway ;  and 
seven  companies  of  the  Texas  Rangers,  under  Col.  Hays  and 
Lieut.  Col.  Walker,  commanded  by  Capts.  R.  A.  Gillespie,  Benj. 
McCulloch,  Thos.  Green,  C.  B.  Acklen,  Jas.  Gillespie,  C.  C.  Her- 
bert, and  Ballowe,  the  whole  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col. 
Thos.  Childs,  who  had  been  assigned  to  lead  this  storming  party, 
numbering  in  all  465  men,  besides  the  officers. 

Independence  Hill,  between  seven  and  eight  hundred  feet  high, 
is  not  only  the  most  inaccessible  height  from  its  almost  perpen- 
dicular ascent — covered  as  it  is  with  ledges  of  rock,  some  four  or 
five  feet  high,  and  low,  thick,  thorny  bushes — but  also  the  most 
important,  as  commanding  all  the  western  approaches,  and  by  a 
gradual  descent  from  the  crest  of  the  hill,  of  about  some  three 
,  hundred  and  fifty  or  four  hundred  yards,  south-east  course,  along 
the  ridge,  leading  to  the  Bishop's  Palace,  which  it  also  commands 
and  overlooks ;  thus  forming  a  key  to  the  entrance  of  Monterey 
on  the  western  side.  The  height  was  defended  by  a  piece  of 
artillery,  and  during  the  night  a  large  reinforcement  had  been 

16 


f 


182  STORMING  OF  INDEPENDENCE  HILL. 

thrown  forward  from  the  Bishop's  Palace.  Here  they  remained, 
as  they  supposed,  in  perfect  security,  considering  their  position 
impregnable,  and  that  any  attempt  to  storm  it  would  prove  unsuc- 
cessful. The  expedition  was  looked  upon  as  a  forlorn  hope,  but 
not  a  word  was  spoken,  save  by  the  officers  in  a  low  tone,  as  they 
marshalled  their  men  in  the  darkness  of  the  night.  The  solemn 
stillness  that  prevailed  indicated  the  firm  purpose  and  resolves 
that  were  passing  in  the  minds  of  the  men.  At  this  moment,  the 
short,  quick  word  of  command  '''•forward''''  was  given,  and  the 
column,  conducted  by  Capt.  John  Sanders,  military,  and  Lieut. 
Geo.  Meade,  topographical  engineers,  with  a  Mexican  guide, 
wound  its  way  by  a  right  flank  along  the  dark  and  devious  road, 
passing  through  a  corn-field,  until  it  arrived  at  the  base  of  the  hill. 
Here  the  command  was  divided.  Capt.  J.  R.  Vinton,  with  one 
company  of  the  3d  Artillery,  and  one  company  of  the  8th  Infantry, 
and  three  companies  of  Rangers,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Walker,  was 
detached,  to  move  as  a  left  column  up  the  north-west  slope  of  the 
hill,  while  Col.  Childs,  with  the  residue  of  the  command,  should 
ascend  on  the  south-west.  Now  commenced  the  ascent,  which  at 
a  distance  had  appeared  sufficiently  difficult,  steep,  and  rugged, 
and  when  actually  grappled  with,  required  all  the  vigour  and 
strength  of  the  most  hardy.  Forward  pressed  the  men,  invigo- 
rated by  the  fresh  morning  air,  until  they  arrived  within  a  hun- 
dred yards  of  the  crest  of  the  hill,  when  a  crash  of  musketry  from 
the  enemy's  skirmishers  announced  that  they  were  discovered.  An 
incessant  random  fire  was  poured  down  upon  the  stormers,  the 
day  having  yet  hardly  dawned,  but  not  a  shot  was  returned — not 
a  word  uttered.  The  two  columns  steadily  advanced,  climbing 
over  projecting  crags  by  means  of  the  fissures  in  the  rocks,  or 
cHnging  to  the  stunted,  thorny  bushes  which  had  imbedded  them- 
selves among  them,  until  they  were  within  about  twenty  yards  of 
the  top,  when  a  shout  and  yell  rose  on  the  stilly  air,  amid  the  rat- 
thng  of  a  volley  of  musketry  from  the  regulars,  and  the  whisthng 
of  the  rifle  balls  of  the  Texians,  which  appalled  the  enemy,  and 
drove  them  back  from  the  brow  of  the  slope.  Then  came  the 
deadly  struggle.  Panting  and  breathless,  men  and  officers  strove 
to  gain  the  height,  contending  with  the  rocky  steep  as  well  as 
with  the  enemy — peal  after  peal,  and  shout  and  cry,  rang  wildly 
forth  for  victory — onward  they  rushed,  braving  the  storm  of  hail 
until  they  gained  the  brow,  and  with  a  loud  huzza  bore  back  the 
foe,  while  the  mist  now  left  the  mountain's  top  for  the  sunbeam's 
warmer  glow,  to  shine  upon  the  triumphant  colours  of  our  victo- 
rious troops. 

The  Mexicans  fled  in  confusion ;  some  towards  the  Palace,  while 
others  ran  headlong  down  the  hill.     They,  however,  succeeded  in 


FALL    OF   GILLESPIE    AND    THOMAS.  183 

carrying  off  a  piece  of  cannon,  our  men  being  too  much  exhausted 
to  pursue  them  farther.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  considerable, 
while  on  our  part  it  was  but  few  in  numbers,  though  some  of  our 
noblest  spirits  fell.  Among  them  was  the  brave  and  gallant  Capt. 
R.  A.  Gillespie,  an  officer  well  known  in  Texas  and  to  the  army, 
for  his  kind  and  unassuming  deportment  in  social  life,  and  his 
sagacity,  activity,  and  undaunted  courage  in  the  field.  He  fell, 
mortally  wounded,  at  the  head  of  his  company,  while  in  the  act 
of  mounting  the  enemy's  works.  As  his  men  came  up,  they  of- 
fered to  assist  him,  but  he  refused  them,  and  cheered  them  on  to 
the  combat.  Here,  too,  the  daring  and  chivalric  Herman  S, 
Thomas,  of  Baltimore,  belonging  to  McCulloch's  company,  who 
was  among  the  first  to  scale  the  height,  received  a  mortal  wound. 
Lieut.  W.  E.  Reese,  of  Capt.  Ballowe's  company,  was  also  wounded, 
with  many  others ;  and  Daniel  McCarty,  of  the  same  company, 
was  killed. 

During  the  preceding  night,  the  7th  Infantry,  which  had  been 
left  to  garrison  Fort  Soldada,  on  Federation  Hill,  where  the  eight 
pounder  which  we  had  captured  was  served  by  Lieut.  Dana,  in 
throwing  round-shot  into  the  Bishop's  Palace,  had  received  orders 
to  make  a  demonstration  at  daylight,  in  favour  of  the  storming 
party.  For  this  purpose,  Capt.  Miles  detached  the  right  wing  of 
the  regiment,  consisting  of  three  companies,  and  at  dawn  of  day 
was  descending  the  hill  towards  the  Palace ;  when  about  half- 
way down,  hearing  the  shout  of  attack  from  our  troops  on  the 
height,  he  ordered  his  men  to  give  three  cheers,  which  first  drew 
the  attention  of  the  enemy  from  the  Palace  on  his  column,  and 
soon  received  in  return  a  shower  of  grape  from  a  howitzer.  Shel- 
tering his  men  under  a  fence,  without  receiving  any  injury,  Capt. 
Miles  moved  close  enough  to  the  Palace  to  attack  in  flank  any  re- 
inforcement that  should  be  sent  to  support  their  forces  on  the 
height.  The  enemy  was  thus  held  in  check,  and  no  effort  was 
made  to  sustain  their  troops,  flying  before  our  victorious  soldiers. 
The  height  having  been  carried,  Capt.  Miles  returned  with  his 
command  to  the  fort. 

As  soon  as  the  height  was  stormed,  three  companies  of  the  8th 
Infantry,  which  had  remained  in  camp,  commanded  by  Capt.  J.  V. 
Bomford,  Lieuts.  A.  L.  Sheppard,  and  Joseph  Selden,  were  sent 
forward  under  Col.  Staniford,  to  reinforce  the  command.  About 
the  same  time,  Capt.  J.  B.  Scott's  company  of  the  artillery  bat- 
talion, and  company  A,  of  the  8th,  under  Lieut.  Longstreet,  with 
a  detachment  of  the  Texas  Rangers,  were  thrown  forward,  within 
musket  range  of  the  castle,  to  pick  off  such  of  the  enemy  as  should 
give  them  a  chance.  Thirty  minutes  after  this  position  was 
taken,  their  success  caused  the  enemy  to  make  a  sortie  with  a 


184 

large  force,  with  a  view  to  retake  the  crest  of  the  hill.  This  at- 
tempt was  opposed  by  our  advanced  party  with  great  spi^^it, — the 
effort  being  made  on  the  part  of  the  Mexicans  with  some  deter- 
mination, but  after  a  considerable  loss,  they  were  compelled  to 
retire  to  the  Palace.  On  our  side,  Lieut.  Wainwright,  of  the  8th, 
was  wounded,  and  one  man  of  the  same  regiment  killed.  The 
command  now  sustained  a  severe  fire  from  the  artillery,  and  a 
continued  fire  of  musketry  from  the  loop-holed  walls,  and  para- 
pets of  the  Palace.  Col.  Childs,  wishing  to  save  the  farther  effu- 
sion of  blood,  and  to  afford  the  garrison  an  opportunity  to  capitulate, 
displayed  a  white  flag  for  this  purpose  ;  but  it  being  disregarded, 
other  measures  were  resorted  to. 

It  was  now  about  ten  o'clock,  a.  m.,  when  the  5th  Infantry, 
under  Major  Martin  Scott,  and  Blanchard's  Louisiana  Volunteers, 
were  ordered  to  descend  from  their  position  on  Federation  Hill, 
where  they  had  remained  since  the  afternoon  of  the  21st,  and 
cross  to  that  of  Independence.  While  crossing  the  river  San 
Juan  de  Monterey,  or  the  Arroya  Topa,  the  regiment  was  opened 
upon  with  shot  and  shell  from  the  Palace,  doing  no  more  injury, 
however,  than  causing  Major  Scott's  horse  to  stumble,  and  spilling 
the  major  in  the  rapid  stream. 

At  the  same  time,  Lieut.  J.  F.  Roland,  of  Lieut.  Col.  Duncan's 
battery,  was  ordered  from  the  main  camp  with  a  twelve-pound 
howitzer,  assisted  by  the  brave  and  energetic  Capt.  Sanders,  of 
the  engineers,  (to  select  the  route  most  practicable,)  with  fifty  men 
of  the  line,  under  Lieut.  D.  H.  McPhail,  of  the  5th  Infantry — that 
gallant  and  enterprising  officer  succeeded,  in  less  than  two  hours, 
in  placing  his  gun  in  position,  having  ascended  a  steep  and  rugged 
accHvity  of  nearly  seven  hundred  feet !  Lieut.  Edward  Deas,  of 
the  artillery,  also  assisted  in  this  enterprise.  A  fire  was  imme- 
diately opened  from  the  howitzer,  upon  the  Palace  and  the  outer 
works,  about  four  hundred  yards  distant,  with  terrible  effect. 
Half-way  down  the  ridge,  between  the  summit  and  the  castle,  was 
a  position  partially  covered  by  rocks  and  bushes  from  the  enemy's 
fire,  at  which  point  the  advance  had  been  posted.  The  advance 
was  now  increased  to  six  companies,  and  Capt.  Vinton  was  ordered 
to  take  charge  of  this  position.  For  four  or  five  hours,  a  fire  was 
kept  up  by  the  skirmishers,  without  any  material  effect.  Capt. 
Vinton  now,  by  a  ruse,  sought  to  draw  forth  the  enemy  to  sally 
upon  our  line,  when  we  might  hope  not  only  to  repulse  his  charge, 
but  to  carry  the  Palace  by  a  coup-de-main.  Orders  preparatory 
to  such  a  movement,  were  then  given  by  him  to  the  troops.  Capt. 
Blanchard's  company  of  Louisiana  volunteers  was  then  ordered 
10  take  position  on  the  left  declivity  of  the  hill,  near  Walker's 
Texians,  with  orders  to  fall  back  upon  it  whenever  the  signal 


,t^il 


m^'m^  m^'^m-'mt^^i 


185 

should  be  given.  On  the  same  left  declivity,  was  stationed  a 
company  of  8th  Infantry,  under  Captain  Bomford,  and  one  of  the 
3d  Artillery,  under  Lieut.  Ayres.  On  the  right-hand  slope  were 
two  companies  of  the  5th  Infantry,  under  Capts.  Merrill  and 
Chapman,  and  one  of  the  4th  Artillery,  under  Lieut.  Bradford, — 
all  deployed  as  skirmishers.  Capt.  Vinton  again  issued  his  or- 
ders, that  in  the  event  of  a  sortie  by  the  garrison,  a  signal  would 
be  given,  when  the  companies  on  the  right  and  left  would  close 
in  at  the  top  of  the  ridge,  unite  their  flanks  on  this  centre,  and 
thus  facing  to  the  front,  present  to  the  enemy  a  strong  firm  line  of 
bayonets,  which  it  would  not  be  easy  for  him  to  force. 

The  critical  moment  was  at  hand.  Large  reinforcements  of 
cavalry  and  infantry  were  seen  ascending  the  road  from  the  city 
to  the  Bishop's  Palace,  and  every  thing  indicated  that  some  strong 
movement  was  about  to  take  place.  Don  Francisco  Berra,  gene- 
ral commanding,  finding  no  other  resource  left,  determined  to  save 
the  Palace  by  making  a  desperate  effort  to  drive  us  from  the  sum- 
mit. Orders  were  given  for  Blanchard's  company  to  fall  back  on 
the  alignment,  while  the  Texas  Rangers  kept  their  covered  posi- 
tion on  each  side  of  the  slope  of  the  mountain.  This  movement, 
apparently  retrograde,  was  soon  after  followed  by  one  from  the 
enemy,  which  realized  the  very  hopes  that  Capt.  Vinton  had  so 
warmly  cherished.  Battalions  of  infantry  formed  in  front  of  the 
Palace,  their  crowded  ranks  and  glistening  bayonets  presenting  a 
bold  and  fearless  front,  while  squadrons  of  hght-horsemen,  with 
lances  bright  and  fluttering  flags,  and  heavy  cavalry,  with  sco- 
pets*  and  broadsAvords  gleaming  in  the  sun,  richly  contrasting 
with  the  gaudy  Mexican  uniforms,  made  a  most  imposing  sight. 
Their  bugle  notes  now  echoed  forth  the  charge.  Onward  they 
came,  in  proud  array,  prepared  for  desperate  strife — nearer  and 
nearer  they  approached,  their  troopers  dashing  up  the  slope  with, 
fierce  and  savage  air,  until  the  clang  of  their  arms  rang  wildly  on 
the  ear — then,  when  within  twenty  yards  of  our  position,  the  ap- 
pointed signal  being  given,  out  rushed  our  gallant  troops  and 
formed  a  serried  line  of  bayonets  which  suddenly  rose  before  the 
enemy,  like  an  apparition,  to  oppose  their  progress.  Most  bravely 
were  they  met ;  one  volley  from  that  long  line,  with  a  deadly  fire 
from  the  Texians,  made  them  reel  and  stagger  back  aghast,  while 
above  the  battle-cry  was  heard  the  hoarse  command  to  "  charge." 
On,  on,  rushed  our  men,  with  shouts  of  triumph,  driving  the  re- 
treating enemy,  horse  and  foot,  who  fled  in  confusion  down  the 
ridge,  past  the  Palace,  and  even  to  the  bottom  of  the  hill,  into  the 
streets  of  the  city.     The  victory  was  won — the  Palace  ours  ;  and 

*  Escopeta,  Spanish  for  carbine. 
16* 


,|jBp  TAKING    OF    THE   PALACE. 

long,  long  did  the  cheers  of  the  victors  swell  on  the  air,  which 
made  fib^i valley  below  ring  with  the  triumph  of  our  arms. 

A  short  struggle  ensued  with  those  inside  the  Palace,  but  being 
soon  overpowered,  they  surrendered.  We  here  made  some  thirty 
prisoners,  and  captured  four  pieces  of  artillery,  which  were  imme- 
diately turned  and  opened  upon  the  enemy.  An  officer  was  also 
taken,  who,  it  was  said,  was  caught  in  the  act  of  attempting  to 
fire  the  magazine.  Our  loss  in  this  encounter  was  some  six  killed 
and  fifteen  wounded,  while,  upon  the  part  of  the  enemy,  upon  the 
hill  and  in  the  streets,  some  one  hundred  and  eighty  were  killed 
and  wounded.  Our  force  amounted  to  nearly  eight  hundred 
troops ;  that  of  the  enemy  which  defended  the  Palace,  and  opposed 
us,  was  two  thousand.  Lieut.  G.  W.  Ayres  of  the  3d  Artillery 
was  among  the  first  to  enter  the  castle,  and  hauled  down  thq 
enemy's  flag  from  the  Palace,  while  Lieut.  Col.  Walker  of  the 
Texas  Rangers,  with  one  of  McCulloch's  men,  cut  down  the  blue 
and  yellow  signal  flags  from  the  cross  in  front  of  the  works. 
Lieut.  Roland  immediately  run  his  gun  down  to  the  Palace,  and 
was  soon  under  fire.  Lieut.  Col.  Duncan's  battery,  which  had 
been  doing  good  execution  below  at  the  gorge,  directed  by  Lieuts. 
Wm.  Hays,  and  H.  F.  Clarke,  during  the  operation  of  the  how- 
itzer on  the  hill,  now  came  up  at  a  gallop  to  the  slope  below  the. 
Palace,  where,  in  conjunction  with  Mackall's  battery,  an  effective 
fire  was  opened  on  that  part  of  the  town  below,  driving  the  enemy 
from  their  strong  intrenchments  as  far  as  their  guns  would  reach, 
even  past  Arista's  garden,  to  the  Plaza  la  Capella,  where  stood 
the  church  and  cemetery,  [see  Map,  letters  I  and  J,]  sweep- 
ing down  the  retiring  masses  that  filled  the  streets,  with  fear- 
ful slaughter.  The  whole  command  of  Gen.  Worth,  with  the 
baggage  and  ammunition  train,  now  moved  up  to  the  Palace  for 
the  night,  with  the  exception  of  the  Texas  Rangers,  who  occupied 
the  ranches,  near  the  junction  of  the  roads,  where  we  quartered 
the  night  before,  and  the  5th  Infantry,  which  re-crossed  the  river 
to  support  the  7th,  on  Federation  Hill.  It  was  now  about  four 
o'clock,  p.  M.,  and  the  remainder  of  the  evening  was  employed  in 
removing  the  wounded  to  the  Bishop's  Palace,  that  of  the  enemy 
as  well  as  our  own,  to  our  honour  be  it  said,  being  equally  cared 
for.  While  on  the  contrary,  there  were  many  cases  on  Gen. 
Taylor's  side  where  our  wounded  were  inhumanly  put  to  death 
by  the  Mexican  lancers.  Poor  Gillespie  and  Thomas  were 
removed  to  some  jacales,  near  the  quarters  of  the  Texians,  that 
they  might  receive  the  attention  of  their  comrades.  We  sat  up 
the  greater  part  of  the  night  with  the  latter,  and  left  him  with 
hopes  of  recovery.  He  had  been  our  messmate,  and  a  more  kind> 
noble,  and  generous  heart  was  never  sacrificed  for  his  country. 


THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  SECOND  DAY.  187 

They  both  died  the  next  day,  and  were  buried  on  Independence 
Hill,  where  they  fell,  with  the  mountain  for  their  grave,  and  the 
Palace  for  their  monument. 

"Thus,"  says  our  comrade,  Mr.  Kendall,  in  hi»  account  of  the 
part  taken  by  Gen.  Worth's  division,  "  thus,  by  a  series  of  bril- 
liant, well-planned  and  successful  movements,  in  the  very  face  of 
obstacles  which  appeared  almost  insurmountable.  Gen.  Worth 
found  himself  in  full  possession  of  three  of  the  enemy's  batteries, 
the  stronghold  known  as  the  Bishop's  Palace,  seven  pieces  of 
artillery,  and  a  large  quantity  of  ammunition  and  intrenching 
tools,  two  of  their  standards,  and  what  was  of  still  greater  import- 
ance, the  entire  occupation  of  the  Saltillo  road,  and  a  complete 
command  of  all  the  western  portion  of  the  city  of  Monterey,'" 
And  all  this,  too,  had  been  accomplished  by  troops  exposed  to 
heavy  rains,  without  shelter,  with  little  or  no  sleep,  and  under- 
going the  most  arduous  labour,  and  severe  fatigue,  and  the  most 
of  them  without  food  for  more  than  forty-eight  hours. 

At  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  Gen.  Worth  had  sent  off  a 
bulletin  to  Gen.  Taylor,  informing  him  of  our  success  in  storming 
Independence  Hill.  About  twelve  o'clock  at  noon  a  cavalry  force 
was  reported  advancing  from  the  Pescaria  Grande  road,  when  we 
were  sent  out  by  Gen.  Worth  to  reconnoitre  the  party,  which  proved 
to  be  a  detachment  of  dragoons  and  Wood's  Texas  Rangers  bear- 
ing an  express  to  Gen.  Worth,  from  Gen.  Taylor,  informing  him  of 
the  operations  of  the  21st,  with  the  sad  intelligence  of  his  heavy  loss 
of  over  three  hundred  and  fifty  men,  killed  and  wounded.  At  eight 
o'clock,  p.  M.,  Gen.  Worth  despatched  another  bulletin,  announcing 
the  affair  of  the  Bishop's  Palace ;  and  at  the  same  time  stating 
that  in  case  the  enemy  should  attempt  to  retreat  in  the  night,  he 
would  make  a  signal  by  burning  the  jacales  a  mile  in  the  rear,  and 
by  throwing  up  rockets.  The  night  passed  off,  however,  without 
the  attempt,  and  save  the  occasional  flight  of  rockets  in  different 
parts  of  the  city  by  the  Mexicans,  which  were  alone  understood 
by  them,  all  remained  quiet. 

During  the  evening,  the  band  of  the  8th  Infantry  was  heard 
playing  from  the  Bishop's  Palace,  while  the  men  prepared  their 
first  supper  since  we  left  camp  at  Walnut  Springs.  The  Texians 
were  still  without  their  camp  utensils,  and  had  to  shift  for  them- 
selves ;  the  pretty  Mexican  woman,  whom  we  have  already  de- 
scribed, however,  made  up  some  flour  which  we  had  obtained, 
into  tortillas,  but  being  worn  out  with  fatigue,  the  men  thought 
more  of  sleep  than  supper.  The  adventures  of  the  day  Avere 
talked  over  while  eating  their  mouthful  of  food,  when  the  men 
sank  to  rest.  We  shared  a  board,  which  we  lay  on  to  keep  us 
from  the  wet  ground,  with  our  heutenant-colonel,  and  having 


188 


CAPTAIN    WALKER. 


learned  something  of  his  history,  we  will  proceed  to  give  it  to  the 
reader. 

Samuel  H.  Walker,  now  captain  of  United  States  mounted 
lifles,  was  born  in  1817,  in  Prince  George  county,  Maryland.  In 
1836,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  enlisted  in  the  Washington  city 
volunteers  for  the  Creekwar,  and  after  his  term  of  service  expired, 
he  went  to  Florida,  and  served  through  the  campaign  of  the  war 
against  the  Indians.  Walker  was  afterwards  employed  for  some 
time  in  the  scouting  service  with  the  citizens  at  the  town  of  lola, 
on  the  Appalachicola  river.  He  then  removed  to  Middle  Florida, 
where  he  was  employed  for  some  time  as  superintendent  of  the 
railroad. 

In  January,  1842,  he  emigrated  to  Texas,  and  went  out  with 
General  Johnson  on  the  frontier.  He  there  joined  an  expedition 
against  the  Indians,  who  had  murdered  a  family  near  Clark 
Owen's  camp,  and  carried  off  two  children.  The  Indians  were 
pursued,  and  a  skirmish  took  place  on  San  Antonio  river,  in  Avhich 
they  were  defeated,  and  the  two  children  re-taken.  In  the  spring 
of  the  same  year,  on  Gen,  Sam.  Houston  issuing  his  war  procla- 
mation, he  joined  Capt.  .BiUingsly's  company  of  Rangers,  at  Bas- 
trop, and  fought  under  Col.  Caldwell,  with  Hays  and  Cameron,  at 
the  battle  of  Salado,  with  two  hundred  and  ten  men,  who  repulsed 
Gen.  Woll,  with  thirteen  hundred,  at  the  time  the  Mexicans  had 
retaken  San  Antonio,  and  captured  the  judges  and  lawyers,  the 
court  being  then  in  session.  It  was  at  this  time  that  Capt.  Dor- 
son's  company  from  La  Grange  had  come  up  in  the  rear,  and 
had  been  cut  to  pieces.  Billingsly  was  also  in  the  rear  with  the 
Mexicans  between  him  and  Col.  Caldwell's  command,  when  it 
became  necessary  to  send  a  messenger  to  camp  to  inform  Col. 
Caldwell  of  this  fact.  It  was  a  hazardous  undertaking,  and  at- 
tended with  the  greatest  difficulties.  As  no  one  could  be  found  to 
go,  the  gallant  Walker  volunteered,  and  set  out  in  the  darkness 
of  the  night  and  reached  the  camp  in  safety.  He  was  then 
ordered  to  return  and  conduct  the  command  in  before  day,  as  an 
attack  was  expected  that  morning,  which  he  did,  and  was  also 
successful.  After  the  retreat  of  Gen.  Woll,  he  joined  Hays' 
company,  and  remained  with  him  until  the  Summerville  expedi- 
tion was  organized  against  the  Mexicans,  at  which  time  they  took 
the  towns  of  Loredo  and  Garrera.  After  Gen.  Summerville's 
return  he  joined  the  celebrated  expedition  of  Gens.  Fisher  and 
Greene,  and  was  taken  prisoner  by  Gen.  Ampudia  at  the  battle 
of  Mier.  Walker  .afterwards  made  his  escape  from  prison  at 
Tacabayu,  Santa  Anna's  residence,  and  after  suffering  unheard 
of  hardships,  arrived  safe  at  Tampico.  He  then  took  passage  for 
New  Orleans,  where  he  remained  a  month,  when  he  again  re- 


Captain  Walker,  from  a  D.iguerreotvpe  by  J.  McGuire, 
New  Orleans. — p.  188. 


m 


w^' 


OPERATIONS    ON   THE   EAST   SIDE   OF    THE    CITY.  189 

turned  to  Texas  and  joined  Hays'  command,  with  whom  he 
served  until  Gen.  Taylor's  army  moved  to  the  Rio  Grande, 
Walker  then  went  down  to  see  Gen.  Taylor,  for  the  purpose  of 
offering  the  services  of  the  company  of  the  lamented  Gillespie,  (to 
which  he  was  attached  as  a  private,)  to  serve  in  case  a  rupture 
should  take  place  with  the  Mexicans,  then  daily  expected,  but 
which  Gen.  Taylor  declined.  About  thirty  of  the  old  Ranger^ 
had  followed  the  army  from  Corpus  Christi,  expecting  to  see  a 
fight,  and  meeting  with  Capt.  Walker,  requested  him  to  apply  tp 
Gen.  Taylor  for  permission  to  organize ^a  company.  Walker 
frequently  requested  the  general  to  let  him  do  so,  but  he  deeming 
it  unnecessary  at  the  time,  refused.  After  the  murder  of  Capt. 
Cross,  however,  and  the  death  of  Lieut.  Porter,  Gen.  Taylor  gave 
his  consent,  and  Walker  raised  his  brave  band  of  Texas  Rangers. 
His  gallant  and  daring  feats  at  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca 
de  la  Palma  are  too  well  known  to  our  readers  to  detail  in  this  im- 
perfect sketch. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


Gen.  Taylor's  Forces  on  the  East  Side — The  Morning  of  the  22d — Gen.  Hen- 
derson, and  Woods'  Rangers — Twiggs's  Division,  relieved  by  Butler's— 
Abandonment  of  Fort  El  Diablo  by  the  Mexicans — The  Third  Day — The  5th 
Infantry — Major  Brown's  Command — Reconnoissance  by  Lieut.  Meade  and 
Capt.  McCulloch — Gen.  Worth  enters  the  City  with  his  Division — Arrival 
of  Major  Monroe  with  the  Mortar — The  Second  Division  reaches  the  Plaza 
de  Carne— The  Street  Fight— The  Bomb-shells  at  Night— Gen.  Taylor's 
Camp — Operations  of  the  First  and  Third  Divisions  on  the  23d — Gen.  Quit- 
man and  Woods'  Rangers  enter  the  City — Bragg's  Battery — A  flag  with  a 
Letter  from  the  Governor  reaches  Gen.  Taylor — Position  of  the  Army  on 
the  23d. 

We  must  return  for  a  moment  to  the  eastern  side  of  the  city, 
to  bring  up  the  occurrences  of  Gen.  Taylor's  forces  on  the  day  of 
the  22d.  No  active  operations  took  place  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
city  on  that  day.  The  morning  was  principally  occupied  in,bury- 
ing  the  dead,  and  in  relieving  our  wounded.  The  citadel,  and 
other  works  of  the  enemy,  continued  to  fire  at  parties  exposed  to 
their  range,  and  at  the  fort  now  occupied  by  our  troops,  which  was 
returned  by  Capt.  Ridgely's  battery,  and  the  captured  guns.  At 
an  early  hour,  a  scout  came  into  camp,  and  reported  that  a  body 
of  Mexican  lancers  were  on  the  plain,  and  appeared  to  be  making 
their  way  towards  the  Guadaloupe  village,  on  the  Caderita  road. 
Gen.  Henderson,  with  the  2d  regiment  of  Texas  Rangers,  com- 
manded by  Col.  Woods,  immediately  set  out  in  pursuit,  and  after 
scouring  the  country  around  for  five  or  six  miles,  returned  without 
meeting  with  any  hostile  party.     A  body  of  Mexican  lancers  were 


190  THE   THIRD    DAY. 

seen  drawn  up  under  the  guns  of  the  Citadel,  but  could  not  be  in- 
duced to  come  forth. 

At  noon,  the  First  Division,  which  had  been  left  to  garrison  the 
fort  the  preceding  night,  was  relieved  by  Quitman's  brigade  of 
volunteers,  Ridgely's  battery  remaining.  Capt.  Bragg's  battery 
was  thrown  forward  under  cover,  in  front  of  the  town,  to  repel  any 
demonstration  of  cavalry  in  that  quarter.  These  were  the  only 
movements  made  on  Gen.  Taylor's  side  that  day.  The  storming 
of  the  Bishop's  Palace  was  visible  to  the  troops  on  this  side,  and 
the  spectacle  is  described  as  having  been  most  briUiant  and  mag- 
nificent. During  the  night,  the  enemy  abandoned  the  second  fort, 
El  Diablo,  and  a  number  of  smaller  works  in  the  vicinity,  retiring 
to  their  main  defences  in  and  near  the  Cathedral  Plaza.  This 
abandonment  is  supposed  to  have  been  caused  by  an  alarm  which 
occurred  in  the  volunteer's  camp,  who  apprehended  an  attack  from 
a  reported  reinforcement  of  the  enemy,  and  which  in  turn  alarmed 
the  Mexicans  by  a  report  reaching  them  that  a  large  force  was  ar- 
riving to  reinforce  us.  It  is,  however,  most  probable,  that  after 
the  unexpected  fall  of  the  Bishop's  Palace,  the  Mexicans,  fearful 
of  a  combined  attack,  withdrew  their  forces  in  order  to  concentrate 
them. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  the  5th  Infantry,  by  orders 
of  Gen.  Worth,  transported  the  captured  nine-pounder  from  Fort 
Soldada,  to  an  adjoining  hill,  where  the  5lh  had  previously  bivou- 
acked, and  which  overlooked  the  town ;  this  difficult  task  was  ac- 
complished by  9,  A.  M.,  when  shortly  after,  several  hundred  lan- 
cers were  seen  foraging  in  the  fields  below,  who  were  immediately 
opened  upon  with  great  slaughter,  driving  them  towards  the  town. 
This  gun  was  served  by  Lieut.  J.  P.  Smith,  and  did  great  execu- 
tion, dispersing  afterwards  a  large  force  at  the  Plaza  de  Came,  and 
keeping  up  a  steady  fire  on  the  cathedral. 

In  the  mean  time.  Major  Brown  was  directed  to  return  to  the 
Mill  of  Santa  Catarina,  with  a  company  of  the  artillery  battahon, 
Blanchard's  volunteers,  Lieut.  Whitall's  company  of  the  5th,  and 
a  section  of  Mackall's  battery,  with  two  companies  of  Rangers,  to 
guard  the  pass,  (which  w^as  aptly  called  by  Gen.  Worth,  the  Ther- 
mopylae of  Monterey,)  and  the  bridge  over  the  Arroya  Topa.  As 
soon  as  this  detachment  had  fairly  got  off,  the  plan  of  assault  on 
the  town  was  determined  on.  Lieut.  Meade,  of  the  engineer 
corps,  and  Capt.  McCulloch,  with  a  detachment  of  his  company, 
gallantly  went  forth  to  reconnoitre  the  city,  and  ascertained  that 
the  enemy  had  abandoned  it  as  far  as  the  cemetery.  At  10  o'clock, 
Gen.  Worth  ordered  down  from  the  heights,  the  7th  and  5th  In- 
fantry, leaving  Capt.  Wm.  Chapman's  company,  and  Lieut.  P 
Lugenbeel,  of  the  latter  regiment,  to  protect  the  nine-pounder. 


SECOND   DIVISION    ENTERS   THE    CITY.  191 

A  heavy  and  continued  roar  of  artillery  was  now  heard  from 
the  eastern  side  of  the  town,  and  it  was  plainly  perceptible  from 
the  Bishop's  Palace,  that  the  First  and  Third  Divisions  had  again 
become  engaged  in  desperate  contest.  Believing  that  Gen.  Taylor 
was  conducting  a  main  attack,  intended  to  be  made  in  conjunction 
with  the  western  forces,  and  that  his  orders  to  that  effect  had  mis- 
carried, (the  distance  from  head-quarters  being  a  circuit  of  some 
seven  miles,)  Gen.  Worth  immediately  ordered  Col.  Hays'  regi- 
ment of  Rangers  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  enter  the  city, 
on  foot,  as  sharp-shooters.  Two  columns  of  attack  were  then 
formed,  to  move  along  the  two  principal  streets :  the  right  consist- 
ing of  four  companies  of  the  7th  Infantry,  under  Capt.  T.  H. 
Holmes,  with  a  twelve-pound  howitzer  of  Mackall's  battery,  under 
Lieut.  J.  G.  Martin ;  the  left,  of  four  companies  of  the  8th  Infan- 
try, under  Capt.  Screven,  with  two  six-pounders  of  Mackall's  bat- 
tery ;  while  four  companies  of  the  artillery  battahon,  commanded 
by  Capt.  Vinton,  followed  as  a  corps  de  reserve,  the  whole  under 
command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Childs.  The  Texian  Rangers  were  di- 
vided, Col.  Hays  accompanying  the  right  column,  and  Lieut.  Col. 
Walker,  that  of  the  left. 

At  2  o'clock,  p.  M.,  Col.  Childs  advanced  with  the  leading  co- 
lumn to  the  left,  and  passed  the  Plaza  de  la  Capilla  without  resist- 
ance, but  on  entering  the  Plaza  de  Carne,  the  command  sustained 
a  heavy  volley  of  musketry  from  the  house-tops,  until  it  reached 
a  house  on  the  south-east  corner  of  the  square,  where  it  became 
sheltered.  The  right  column  which  had  advanced  up  the  street, 
near  the  river  side,  had  felt  its  way  along  until  it  reached  a  de- 
serted barricade,  about  four  squares  from  the  Cathedral  or  Grand 
Plaza,  when  a  tremendous  fire  opened  upon  it  from  the  loop-holed 
walls,  parapets,  and  cross  batteries,  rendering  its  further  advance 
impossible.  At  this  time,  Major  Monroe,  chief  of  artillery,  ar- 
rived from  Gen.  Taylor's  camp,  with  a  ten-inch  mortar,  which  was 
immediately  advanced  to  the  Plaza  Capilla,  with  the  ammunition 
train,  under  escort  of  a  company  of  the  8th  Infantry,  and  the  re- 
maining three  companies  of  the  7th  Infantry,  under  Capt.  Miles. 
The  mortar  was  left  in  the  cemetery  of  the  Plaza,  in  charge  of 
Lieut.  Lovell,  of  the  4th  Artillery,  and  was  soon  placed  in  posi- 
tion. Col.  Staniford,  with  one  company  of  the  8th,  and  one  com- 
pany of  the  5th,  was  left  to  guard  the  castle  and  the  prisoners, 
while  the  remainder  of  the  5th  regiment,  and  Duncan's  hght  ar- 
tillery, with  Gen.  Worth  and  staff,  now  entered  the  city. 

Arriving  at  the  Plaza  de  Carne,  in  the  midst  of  a  gaUing  fire. 
Gen.  Worth  proceeded  to  make  a  further  disposition  of  his  troops, 
the  immediate  command  being  given  to  Brig.  Gen.  P.  F.  Smith, 
who  now  led  the  right  column,  reinforced  by  two  companies  of  the 


f93f  THE    STREET   FIGHT. 

5th,  under  Major  Scott,  commanded  by  Lieuts.  M.  Rosecrants  and 
S.  Norvell.  Col.  Hays  was  ordered  to  mask  his  men,  and  proceed 
with  his  command  in  the  direction  of  the  cathedral.  Capt.  Miles, 
with  three  companies  of  the  7th,  and  Capt.  Merrill,  with  two  com- 
panies of  the  fjth  regiment,  were  ordered  to  join  Col.  Childs,  and 
approach  with  Walker's  men  in  the  same  direction  to  the  left —  ^ 
both  columns  advancing  on  parallel  streets.  Capt.  Sanders,  with 
Lieut.  S.  Van  Vliet,  of  the  3d  Artillery,  accompanied  this  party 
with  detachments,  carrying  crow-bars,  pick-axes,  ladders,  &c.,  and 
broke  into  the  houses  along  the  streets,  for  the  purpose  of  advanc- 
ing and  sheltering  our  trbops. 

Every  street  was  barricaded  with  heavy  works  of  masonry,  the 
walls  being  some  three  or  four  feet  thick,  with  embrasures  for  one 
or  more  guns  which  raked  the  streets ;  the  walls  of  gardens  and 
sides  of  houses  were  all  loop-holed  for  musketry ;  the  tops  of  the 
houses  were  covered  with  troops,  who  were  sheltered  behind  pa- 
rapets, some  four  feet  high,  upon  which  were  piled  sand  bags  for 
their  better  protection,  and  from  which  they  showered  down  a  hur- 
ricane of  balls. 

Between  three  and  four  o'clock,  from  the  cessation  of  the  fire 
in  the  opposite  direction,  it  was  evident  that  the  enemy  had  be- 
come disengaged,  which  enabled  them  to  draw  off  men  and  guns 
to  our  side,  as  their  fire  had  now  become  almost  doubly  increased. 
The  street-fight  became  appalling — both  colutnns  were  now 
close  engaged  with  the  enemy,  and  steadily  advanced  inch  by 
inch — our  artillery  was  heard  rumbling  over  the  paved  streets, 
galloping  here  and  there,  as  the  emergency  required,  and  pouring 
forth  a  blazing  fire  of  grape  and  ball — volley  after  volley  of  mus- 
ketry, and  the  continued  peals  of  artillery  became  almost  deafen- 
ing— the  artillery  of  both  sides  raked  the  streets,  the  balls  strik- 
ing the  houses  with  a  terrible  crash,  while  amid  the  roar  of  battle 
were  heard  the  battering  instruments  used  by  the  Texians. 
Doors  were  forced  open,  walls  were  battered  down — entrances 
made  through  the  longitudinal  walls,  and  the  enemy  driven  from 
room  to  room,  and  from  house  to  house,  followed  by  the  shrieks 
of  women,  and  the  sharp  crack  of  the  Texian  rifles.  Cheer  after 
cheer  was  heard  in  proud  and  exulting  defiance,  as  the  Texians 
or  regulars  gained  the  house-tops  by  means  of  ladders,  while  they 
poured  in  a  rain  of  bullets  upon  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  houses. 
It  was  indeed  a  most  strange  and  novel  scene  of  warfare. 
I  The  column  of  Col.  Childs  sustained  a  dreadful  fire  in  the  Plaza, 
and  while  forcing  its  way  up  the  streets.  Amid  this  storm  of  de- 
struction, the  daring  and  noble  Capt.  R.  C.  Gatlin,  of  the  7th  In- 
fantry, was  severely  wouAded  in  the  arm  while  gallantly  leading 
on  his  company.     This  column  had  now  moved  forward  two 


-m 


THE   STREET   FIGHT.  193 

squares,  both,  sides  of  the  Plaza  being  occupied  by  our  troops ; 
while  Walker's  Texians  were  working  their  way  towards  the 
enemy  through  that  line  of  buildings,  by  means  of  pick-axes  and 
their  rifles.  Capts.  Screven,  of  the  8th,  and  Merrill,  of  the  5th, 
had  advanced  so  far  as  to  gain  a  line  of  buildings  to  the  east,  and 
were  driving  the  enemy  before  them.  The  two  companies  of  the 
5th  were  commanded  by  Lieuts.  D.  H.  McPhail  and  P.  A,.  Far- 
relly,  the  latter  the  youngest  officer  in  the  regiment,  (Lieut.  Ros- 
sell,  the  commanding  officer  of  his  company,  being  wounded,)  who 
maintained  this  advanced  position,  keeping  up  a  fire  upon  the 
enemy,  occupying  the  houses  in  the  vicinity  and  in  the  next  street 
beyond,  which  was  used  by  the  enemy  as  the  principal  thoroughfare 
to  the  Citadel.  This  position  was  gallantly  held  until  dark,  when 
Capt.  Merrill  retired  to  occupy  the  college  building  for  the  night. 
The  column  on  the  next  street,  under  Brig.  Gen.  Smith,  was  at 
the  same  time  heard  in  desperate  conflict  with  the  enemy.  Capt. 
Holmes,  with  the  Texians  under  Col.  Hays,  had  pushed  their 
way  with  crow-bars  and  pick-axes,  through  houses  and  garden 
walls,  under  a  continuous  heavy  fire  of  grape,  shot,  and  musketry, 
until  they  came  within  point-blank  range  of  the  enemy  in  the  Ca- 
thedral Plaza.  Capts.  R.  H.  Ross  and  G.  R.  Paul,  with  two  com- 
panies of  the  7th,  had  taken  post  in  a  redoubt  on  the  left  bank  of 
the  river,  which  they  bravely  held  under  the  heavy  fire  of  the 
enemy.  During  the  engagement,  Lieut.  F.  Gardner  led  the  ad- 
vance of  the  7th,  with  ladders  and  pick-axes  for  the  scaling  par- 
ties. At  one  time  all  his  men  at  the  ladders  were  either  killed  or 
wounded,  himself  and  Quarter-master  Sergeant  Henry  alone  es- 
caping. Lieut.  N.  J.  T.  Dana  at  the  same  time  rendered  valuable 
service.  The  7th  Infantry  lost  one  killed  and  eight  wounded. 
The  Texians,  well  used  to  this  mode  of  warfare,  were  picking  off* 
the  Mexicans  at  every  chance,  from  behind  the  walls  and  parapets. 
The  batteries  of  Duncan  and  Mackall  did  great  execution,  and 
sustained  a  coosiderable  loss  in  horses.  Late  in  the  afternoon, 
Major  Brown's  command  was  ordered  up  from  the  mill ;  just  pre- 
vious to  which,  however,  they  had  fallen  in  with  and  driven  back 
the  advance  guard  of  a  large  escort  of  700  pack-mules,  laden  with 
flour,  bizcochos,  or  hard  buiscuit,  for  the  besieged  army.  Great 
was  the  enemy's  surprise  to  meet  with  the  American  forces  on 
the  Saltillo  road,  and  greater  still  to  see  our  flag  displaying  its  folds 
on  the  captured  heights.  On  entering  the  city,  the  command  of 
Major  Brown  was  soon  under  fire,  Lieut.  J.  F.  Irons  doing  good 
execution  with  his  piece  of  artillery.  Towards  night,  Capt.  Chap- 
man, of  the  5th,  with  his  company,  moved  down  from  the  height 
with  the  captured  gun,  and  crossing  the  river,  brought  it  over  to 
the  Bishop's  Palace. 

17 


194  TERROR  OF  THE  BESIEGED. 

"The  flag  of  the  Spanish  consul,"  says  Mr.  Kendall,  "flying 
in  Morelos  street,  near  the  post-office,  was  pierced  in  a  hundred 
places  ;  the  iron  bow  windows  of  the  houses,  which  projected  but 
a  few  inches  into  the  streets,  were  torn  and  rent  asunder  by  round- 
shot.  The  city  had  been  partially  deserted  by  the  inhabitants  : 
still  many  women  were  seen  in  the  door-ways  and  in  the  streets, 
and  even  where  the  battle  was  raging,  freely  offering  our  men 
oranges  and  other  fruits.  Frightened  out  of  their  senses,  they 
yet  seemed  impressed  with  the  belief  that  we  were  to  conquer, 
and  thus  attempted  to  propitiate  our  protection  and  good-will. 
Many  ladies,  too,  of  the  better  class — the  wives  and  daughters  of 
civil  functionaries  and  merchants  as  well  as  officers  of  the  army — 
remained  in  their  houses,  determined  to  abide  the  issue  of  the 
siege.  In  one  room,  in  particular,  into  which  our  men  had  picked 
an  entrance  through  a  wall  of  massive  thickness,  a  large  number 
of  females  were  found.  They  were  alarmed  to  a  degree  that  was 
painful,  filled  as  their  ears  had  been  with  lying  stories  of  the  bru- 
tality of  the  Americans  of  the  North,  as  our  people  are  called  by 
the  Mexicans,  and  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  they 
could  be  assured  of  their  safety." 

We  had  now  gained  the  possession  of  the  city,  on  the  west  side, 
to  within  one  square  of  the  Cathedral  Plaza,  where  the  Mexican 
forces  were  concentrated,  having  also  carried  a  large  building  in 
the  Plaza  de  Carne,  which  overlooked  the  principal  defences  in 
the  city,  on  the  roof  of  which  were  placed,  during  the  night,  two 
howitzers,  for  the  purpose  of  raking  the  house-tops  on  the  morrow. 

"It  was  not  until  the  sun  was  down,"  continues  Mr.  Kendall, 
"  and  darkness  had  covered  the  scene,  that  the  battle  ceased — not 
until  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  friend  from  foe,  that  the  con- 
flict in  the  least  abated.  Gen.  Smith  now  sent  a  communication 
to  Gen.  Worth,  to  the  effect  that  he  could  hold  all  his  positions 
during  the  night,  and  it  was  immediately  determined  upon  to  with- 
draw none  of  the  troops  save  such  of  the  Texians  as  were  with 
Hays  on  the  river  side  of  the  town.  Even  these  would  not  have 
been  called  back  had  not  their  horses  needed  attention,  and  had  not 
some  of  them  been  required  for  picket-guards  and  other  duty  in 
the  rear.  But  although  the  active  conflict  had  ceased,  the  troops 
in  the  city  did  not  rest  from  their  labours.  A  bakery — El  Pana- 
deria  del  Gallo — which  was  located  immediately  at  Gen.  Smith's 
position,  and  under  fire  of  the  enemy,  was  set  in  active  operation 
by  Lieut.  Hanson,  one  of  his  aids,  and  furnished  batch  after  batch 
of  bread  during  the  night  for  the  half-famished  men." 

During  the  night,  soldiers  and  officers  occupied  the  Plaza  and 
the  tops  of  houses,  keeping  a  strict  guard  upon  the  movements  of 
the  enemy.    The  Texians,  under  Hays,  camped  at  the  base  of  the 


THE    CITY    AT    NIGHT.  195 

Bishop's  Palace,  and  a  strong  picket-guard  was  posted  in  the  rear, 
while  those  under  Walker  kept  their  position  near  the  post-office. 
At  dark,  the  mortar  which  had  been  imbedded  in  the  cemetery, 
and  masked  by  the  church  wall,  opened  its  fire  upon  the  Grand 
Plaza,  under  the  direction  of  Major  Monroe.  The  first  bomb  fell 
a  little  short,  but  the  projecting  charge  being  increased,  produced 
exact  results,  which  soon  caused  a  return  fire  with  shells  from  the 
enemy's  howitzers.  The  night  was  cloudy,  and  the  winds  of  a 
foreboding  storm  freshened  on  the  sultry  air;  scattered  clouds 
chased  each  other  through  the  sky ;  below  lay  the  city,  wrapped 
in  the  drapery  of  darkness,  whose  folds  covered  the  dreadful  scene 
of  the  carnage  and  ruin  of  its  streets,  where  lay  dead  horses,  de- 
molished masonry,  broken  arms'  and  cast-off  accoutrements  of  sol- 
diers ;  batteries  of  artillery  were  drawn  up  in  the  plazas,  in  which, 
and  on  the  tops  of  the  surrounding  houses,  were  sentineled  our 
troops  ;  farther  yet  towards  the  Cathedral,  confusion  and  disorder 
marked  the  Mexicans'  defeat ;  beautiful  gardens  and  villas  lay  in 
ruins  ;  their  works  of  art  were  demolished,  their  dead  lay  on  the 
house-tops  and  in  the  streets,  while  the  Grand  Plaza  swarmed 
with  their  concentrated  forces,  and  a  desolation  and  despair  pre- 
vailed among  their  army.  For  a  moment  all  was  hushed  in  "  that 
darkness  which  entombs  the  face  of  earth."  Peace  seemed  to 
hover  over  the  scene  of  ruin  and  strife,  and  waving  her  branch  of 
olive,  to  command  the  contending  parties  to  cease  the  wild  war  of 
bloodshed  and  devastation.  It  was  but  for  a  moment,  when  bombs 
and  shells  were  seen  crossing  each  other  as  they  rose  to  the  height 
of  their  curve  in  the  heavens,  gleaming  through  the  air  like  fiery 
comets  on  their  course,  and  bursting  with  a  loud  report.  The 
view  at  this  time,  from  the  Bishop's  Palace,  was  magnificent.  No 
further  incident  occurred  during  the  night.  The  wounded  were 
removed  to  Arista's  hacienda,  which  was  converted  into  an  hospital, 
and  every  preparation  was  made  to  renew  the  attack  on  the  coming 
morrow  with  redoubled  vigour. 

Early  in  the  morning,  a  detachment  of  Rangers,  under  Gen. 
Burleson,  had  been  ordered  to  escort  a  wagon  train  to  Gen.  Tay- 
lor's camp,  and  to  bring  round  the  camp  utensils  and  pack-mules 
of  the  Texians.  It  was  late  before  the  train  started,  and  as  the 
road  was  heavy  and  circuitous,  it  did  not  reach  camp  until  after- 
noon. On  arriving  at  Walnut  Grove,  the  scene  that  presented 
itself  was  sad  in  the  extreme.  The  camp  seemed  hung  with  a 
cloud  of  gloom ;  the  tents,  from  which  went  forth  to  battle  the 
heroic  and  the  brave,  were  now  deserted  and  lonely ;  occasionally 
were  heard  the  groans  of  the  wounded,  while  the  weary  guard 
only  were  seen.  The  trees  themselves  seemed  to  have  lost 
their  lustrous  glow ;  the  lovely  green  sward  was  dry  and  withered. 


196       FIRST  AND  THIRD  DIVISIONS  ON  THE  TWENTY-THIRD. 

and  the  cool,  running  springs  murmured  forth  a  lay  of  sorrow, 
while  before  they  merrily  rippled  along  with  sparkling  gladness. 
It  was  indeed  a  grievous  and  a  melancholy  change  from  the  morn- 
ing of  the  19th. 

At  this  time  the  First  and  Third  Divisions,  which,  as  we  have 
seen,  had  been  engaged  all  the  morning  with  the  enemy,  in  the 
city,  had  just  been  ordered  by  Gen.  Taylor  to  withdraw,  and  we 
now  proceed  to  give  to  the  reader  the  particulars  of  the  operations 
which  closed  the  fight  on  their  side. 

As  the  day  dawned  on  Wednesday  morning,,  (the  23d,)  it  was 
disc^vered  that  the  enemy  had  evacuated  Fort  El  Diablo,  and  the 
adjacent  works,  when  Gen.  Gluitman  ordered  Col.  Davis,  with  a 
portion  of  his  regiment,  supported  by  Lieut.  Col.  Anderson,  with 
two  companies  of  the  Tennessee  regiment,  to  take  possession  of 
the  works.  This  was  promptly  done  ;  but  the  enemy  having 
withdrawn  their  artillery  during  the  night,  nothing  of  consequence 
fell  into  our  hands  except  a  few  prisoners  and  some  ammunition. 
Fort  El  Diablo  commands  a  view  of  the  cathedral,  and  a  portion 
of  the  great  plaza  of  the  city.  To  the  right  of  this  fort,  in  the 
advance,  was  another  half-moon  redoubt,  or  breastwork,  which 
was  connected  with  the  heavy  stone  buildings  and  walls  adjoining 
a  block  of  the  city,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  distant. 
From  this  the  enemy  commenced  a  fire  on  Davis's  men,  through 
an  opening  in  the  rear  of  the  fort,  (see  Map,  No.  3,)  when  a  sharp 
fire  was  returned  by  the  Mississippians  to  dislodge  them.  In  the 
mean  time.  Gen.  Taylor  was  advancing  from  camp  with  the  First 
Division  and  the  remainder  of  the  Third,  when  the  above  facts 
were  reported  to  him  by  Gen.  Gluitman,  who  received  discretion- 
ary orders  to  enter  the  city  as  far  as  he  might  deem  it  prudent. 
Brig.  Gen.  Twiggs,  with  his  command,  was  then  ordered  up  as  a 
reserve.  Col.  Davis  proceeded  with  eight  men  to  reconnoitre  the 
ground  in  the  advance,  and  on  his  return  met  Lieut.  Graves,  who, 
with  a  party  of  riflemen  and  a  company  of  Tennesseeans,  under 
Capt.  McMurray,  had  been  sent  forward  by  Gen.  Q,uitman 
towards  the  fort  on  the  left,  and  whom  he  advised  to  retire,  as  they 
might  draw  the  enemy's  fire.  Col.  Davis,  with  three  companies 
of  his  regiment  and  one  of  Tennesseeans,  was  then  ordered  to  ad- 
vance on  the  enemy's  works,  which  they  did,  the  enemy  flying 
before  them,  until  they  reached  the  half-moon  work,  \yhen  a  tre- 
mendous fire  of  musketry  was  opened  from  the  stone  buildings 
and  walls  in  the  rear,  which  made  it  necessary  for  them  to  select 
another  position  less  exposed.  Two  companies  of  infantry  were 
then  posted  to  defend  the  lodgment  that  had  been  eflfected,  until 
they  should  be  reinforced.  Lieut.  Wm.  A.  Nichols,  of  the  2d 
Artillery,  aid  to  Gen.  Quitman,  was  despatched  to  order  up  the 


197 

brigade.  Maj.  Bradford  advanced  with  the  balance  of  the  Missis- 
sippi regiment,  and  the  engagement  soon  became  general.  The 
enemy  occupied  the  house-tops  and  parapets  in  numbers,  and 
poured  in  a  heavy  fire  from  every  position  of  apparent  security. 
The  gallant  Davis,  leading  the  advance  with  detached  parties,  was 
rapidly  entering  the  city,  penetrating  into  buildings,  and  gradually 
driving  the  enemy  from  their  positions,  when  Gen.  Henderson, 
(who  had  been  out  in  the  direction  of  the  Cadereita  road,  by 
which  it  was  reported  the  enemy  was  retreating,)  with  the  Texians 
under  Woods,  dismounted,  entered  the  city,  and  forcing  his  way 
under  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  grape,  soon  came  up  with 
the  advance.  The  conflict  now  became  most  animated  and 
spirited.  The  Texians  rushed  from  house  to  house,  followed  by 
the  volunteers,  breaking  through  the  walls  and  going  from  roof  to 
roof,  driving  back  the  enemy  with  their  unerring  rifles,  and  slaugh- 
tering them  on  every  side.  Gen.  Lamar,  who  had  been  fighting 
with  the  Mississippians,  now  joined  the  Texians,  and  was  fre- 
quently seen  waving  his  sword  and  directing  them  where  to  press 
forward.  When  a  street  had  to  be  crossed  which  was  raked  by 
the  enemy's  fire,  a  hole  or  door-way  was  at  once  made  on  the  side 
of  the  house  where  the  party  wished  to  cross  from,  and  the  door 
of  some  opposite  house  being  marked  out,  a  few  men,  with  bars 
and  pick-axes,  would  make  a  running  dash  at  it,  and  soon  an  en- 
trance being  effected,  the  remainder  of  the  party  would  follow 
at  full  speed,  drawing  down  the  enemy's  fire  upon  them  from  all 
quarters.  In  a  word,  nearly  the  same  scenes  were  enacted  which 
we  have  just  described,  as  having  occurred  on  the  western  side  of 
the  city  ;  and  it  is  rather  remarkable,  that  while  Taylor  and  Worth 
had  approached  to  within  nearly  a  square  of  the  Cathedral  Plaza 
with  their  forces,  each  was  unconscious  of  the  other's  position  at 
the  time. 

Capt.  Bragg's  battery,  which  had  been  playing  on  the  Cathe- 
dral, the  top  of  which  was  covered  with  troops,  was  ordered  to 
advance  vi'ith  a  section,  and  joined  the  volunteers  in  the  streets, 
supported  by  the  8d  Infantry.  The  pieces  were  served  under 
Lieuts.  S.  G.  French  and  G.  H.  Thomas,  with  distinguished 
bravery  and  abihty.  Lieut.  French  lost  four  men  killed  and 
wounded  at  his  piece,  out  of  seven.  Capt.  Ridgely,  in  the  mean 
time,  kept  up  his  fire  from  the  captured  works  upon  the  city, 
sighting  the  piece  himself,  and  then  giving  the  order  to  fire,  he 
would,  with  his  glass,  watch  the  effect  upon  the  enemy.  Col. 
Davis,  with  his  command,  continued  to  press  forward  through  the 
streets  until  nearly  opposite  to,  and  within  one  square  of,  the 
Grand  Plaza  ;  here  the  gallant  Capt.  J.  R.  Smith,  of  the  disbanded 
Louisiana  volunteers,  who  had  joined   Davis's   regiment,    broke 

IT* 


r 


198  UNFLINCHING  BRAVERY   OF   THE   VOLUNTEERS. 

open  a  house  to  shelter  our  troops,  and  acted  throug^hout  the  street 
fight  with  great  intrepidity.  The  gallant  Lieut.  E.  R.  Price,  also 
of  the  Louisiana  volunteers,  served  as  a  private  in  the  ranks  with 
this  command.  It  was  now  about  half-past  4  o'clock,  p.  m.,  when 
Gen.  Taylor  determined  to  withdraw  the  troops  to  the  captured 
forts  in  order  to  effect,  in  concert  with  Gen.  Worth,  a  combined 
attack  upon  the  town.  The  troops  accordingly  fell  back  in  good 
order  to  the  forts.  Our  loss  this  day  was  very  trifling,  while  that 
of  the  enemy  on  both  sides  of  the  town  could  not  have  been  less 
than  three  hundred.  Gen.  Taylor,  on  returning  to  camp,  was 
informed  of  Gen.  Worth's  intended  attack  upon  the  upper  part  of 
the  city,  induced  by  the  heavy  firing  in  the  lower  part.  It  was 
much  to  be  regretted  that  this  information  did  not  reach  him 
before ;  but,  as  it  was  now  late,  the  General  determined  to  make 
no  further  attempt  until  he  could  have  an  interview  with  Worth 
on  the  next  morning.  Late  in  the  evening,  the  Ohio  and  Ken- 
tucky troops  of  Hamer's  brigade  relieved  that  of  Quitman's  in  the 
Forts  Teneria  and  El  Diablo.  Capt.  Webster,  with  his  howitzers, 
relieved  Ridgely  in  the  former  work,  and  during  the  night  opened 
a  fire  of  shell  upon  the  Cathedral,  which  was  returned  by  the 
Citadel. 

Every  preparation  was  made  for  active  service  on  the  morrow, 
when  it  was  thought  that  the  combined  attack  would  carry  the 
town. 

"  It  should  be  recorded,"  says  Gen.  Q,uitman,  "  to  the  credit 
of  the  volunteer  troops,  that  the  greater  portion  of  them  had  been 
without  sustenance  since  the  morning  of  the  22d,  and  exposed 
throughout  that  very  inclement  and  rainy  night,  to  severe  duty, 
without  blankets  or  overcoats,  and  yet  not  a  murmur  was  heard 
among  them ;  their  alacrity  remained  unabated  to  the  last  mo- 
ment. The  character  of  this  affair,  the  troops  being  necessarily 
separated  into  many  small  parties,  gave  frequent  occasion  to  the 
exhibition  of  individual  courage  and  daring.  The  instances  oc- 
curred so  frequently,  in  which  both  officers  and  men  distinguished 
themselves,  that  to  recount  those  which  fell  under  my  own  obser- 
vation, or  which  were  brought  to  my  notice  by  officers,  would 
extend  this  report  to  an  improper  length." 

^  At  noon,  while  our  troops  were  closely  engaged  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  city,  Gen.  Taylor  received,  by  a  flag,  the  following 
communication  from  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  Leon  : 

Monterey,  Sept.  23 — 8  o'clock,  a.  m. 
As  you  are  resolved  to  occupy  the  place  by  force  of  arms,  and 
the  Mexican  general-in-chief  is  resolved  to  defend  it  at  every  cost, 
as  his  honour  and  duty  require  him  to  do,  thousands  of  victims, 


POSITION    OF   THE   ARMY    ON    THE    TWENTY-THIRD.        199 

who,  from  indigence  and  want  of  means,  find  themselves  now  in 
the  theatre  of  war,  and  who  would  be  uselessly  sacrificed,  claim  the 
right,  which  in  all  times  and  in  all  countries  humanity  extends.  As 
Governor  of  the  State,  and  a  legitimate  representative  of  the  peo- 
ple, I  state  their  case  to  you,  and  hope,  from  your  civihzation  and 
refinement,  that  whatever  may  be  the  event  of  the  present  con- 
test, you  will  issue  orders  that  famihes  shall  be  respected,  or  will 
grant  a  reasonable  time  for  them  to  leave  the  capital. 

I  have  the  honour  to  salute  you,  general-in-chief  of  the  army 
of  occupation  of  the  United  States,  and  to  assure  you  of  my  highest 
consideration. 

God  and  liberty. 

Franco  de  Morales. 
General-in-chief 

of  the  Army  of  Occupation  of  the  United  States. 

This  request  Gen.  Taylor  declined  granting.  The  note  was 
first  sent  to  Gen.  Worth,  the  Mexicans  beHeving  that  Gen.  Tay- 
lor was  on  that  side  of  the  town. 

Such  was  the  position  of  the  American  army  in  and  before  the 
city  of  Monterey  on  the  day  of  the  23d.  The  enemy  still  held 
their  strongest  positions,  the  Cathedral  Plaza  and  the  Citadel,  with 
more  than  twice  the  number  of  our  troops  to  defend  them.  The 
former  commanded  an  avenue  of  retreat  through  a  mountain  pass 
to  Saltillo,  while  the  latter,  a  perfect  San  Juan  de  Ulloa  to  the 
town,  being  a  work  of  solid  masonry,  enclosing  a  large  rectangu- 
lar building,  formerly  a  monastery,  with  four  bastioned  fronts, 
mounting  thirty-one  guns,  to  which  the  enemy  could  at  any  time 
retreat,  commanded  the  city. 

Some  years  ago  a  few  Texians,  with  a  force  under  Gen. 
Can  ales,  (who  was  then  in  arms  against  his  government,)  held  this 
place,  without  the  new  strong  work  that  now  surrounds  it,  against 
the  Mexican  forces  of  the  city,  and  were  enabled  to  make  good 
their  retreat. 


200  CONTINUATION  OF  THE  BATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

The  Morning  of  the  24th — Continuation  of  the  Battle — Lieut.  Farrelly — Lieut. 
Edw.  Deas — Flag  from  Ampudia,  with  Letter  to  Gen.  Taylor — Suspension 
of  Hostilities — Surrender  of  the  City — Disappointment  of  the  Texians-— 
The  Capitulation-Letter  of  Col.  Davis — Terms  of  Ceremony  of  the  Surren- 
der— Evacuation  of  the  City — Visit  to  Gen.  Ampudia — His  Address  and 
Pronunciamento — Ampudia's  Account  of  the  Battle.. 

At  daylight,  on  the  24th  of  September,  the  Texians  under 
Lieut.  Col.  Walker,  who  had  occupied  the  post-office  and  the 
governor's  house  during  the  preceding  night,  opened  a  murderous 
fire  upon  the  enemy  with  their  rifles.  During  the  latter  part  of 
the  night,  several  of  them  had  crossed  the  street  and  picked  a 
hole  through  the  solid  wall  of  a  house  on  the  opposite  corner. 
This  movement  was  made  with  great  caution  and  secrecy.  As 
the  last  stroke  of  the  pick-axe  went  through  the  heavy  masonry, 
a  company  of  Mexican  infantry,  stationed  inside,  attempted  to 
escape  by  the  front  door.  One  half  of  the  company  were  shot 
dead  before  they  crossed  the  street,  so  deadly  was  the  fire  of  the 
Texians  from  the  post-office,  and  at  the  same  time  a  new  line  of 
operations  was  opened  by  the  assailants.  The  fight  was  also 
begun  by  the  regulars,  who  occupied  advanced  positions  on  the 
house-tops.  Lieut.  Farrelly,  of  the  5th,  with  his  company  opened 
a  brisk  fire  on  the  enemy  occupying  the  building  called  the  sand- 
bag house,  which  this  intrepid  young  officer  sustained  with  great 
gallantry. 

It  was  a  most  delightful  morning ;  the  late  rains  had  cooled  the 
air,  and  valley  and  mountain  smiled  once  more  in  the  bright  and 
joyous  sunbeams,  as  if  to  gladden  and  cheer  on  our  men  to  new 
exertions  for  victory.  All  was  Hfe,  stir,  and  activity.  McCuI- 
loch's  company,  which  had  been  posted  in  the  rear  on  picket- 
guard,  now  dashed  into  the  city  on  their  horses,  and  were  drawn 
up  into  a  line  near  some  jacales,  where  they  were  ordered  by  Col. 
Hays  to  dismount  and  turn  their  horses  into  a  corn-field,  to  march 
down  the  street,  and  form  on  the  tops  of  the  houses.  Mexican 
women  were  standing  in  the  doors  and  offering  our  men  oranges 
and  other  fruits,  as  if  to  conciliate  us,  telling  us  that  nearly  all 
the  Mexican  cavalry  had  left  the  city  last  night,  that  Ampudia 
was  a  coward,  and  that  we  would  certainly  carry  the  city  before 
sundown. 

While  we  were  marching  through  the  streets,  the  men  were 
requested  by  Lieut.  Edward  Deas  to  assist  in  dragging  the  artil- 
lery over  the  barricades  which  crossed  the  streets.  This  we  did, 
throwing  down  the  stones  and  carrying  them  out  of  the  way,  so 


PROPOSAL   TO   CAPITULATE.  201 

as  to  permit  the  gun-carriages  to  pass.  The  ratthng  of  the  artil- 
lery over  the  paved  streets,  the  shouts  of  our  men,  the  hurried 
pace  of  the  infantry,  and  the  clang  of  arms,  all  added  to  the  ex- 
citement. The  men  having  heard  of  our  great  loss,  and  knowing 
well  the  position  we  now  occupied,  rushed  forward  to  the  onset. 

While  thus  preparing  for  a  renewal  of  the  attack,  the  enemy's 
bugles  were  heard  Sounding  a  parley,  and  soon  a  Mexican  officer 
bearing  a  white  flag,  accompanied  by  others,  was  seen  dashing 
towards  our  lines.  This  officer  was  Col.  Moreno,  who  bore  a  let- 
ter from  Ampudia  to  Gen.  Taylor.  We  here  give  the  following 
extract  from  Gen.  Taylor's  despatch  to  our  government  descrip- 
tive of  this  affair,  with  Ampudia's  letter  and  Gen.  Taylor's  reply : 


Head-quarters  Army  of  Occupation, 

Camp  before  Monterey,  Sept.  25,  1846. 


Sir, — Early  in  the  morning  of  the  24th  I  received  a  flag  from 
the  town,  bearing  a  communication  from  Gen.  Ampudia,  which  I 
enclose,  (No.  2,)  and  to  which  I  returned  the  answer,  (No.  3.)  I 
also  arranged  with  the  bearer  of  the  flag  a  cessation  of  fire  until 
12  o'clock,  which  hour  I  appointed  to  receive  the  final  answer  of 
Gen.  Ampudia  at  Gen.  Worth's  head-quarters.  Before  the  ap- 
pointed time,  however.  Gen.  Ampudia  had  signified  to  Gen. 
Worth  his  desire  for  a  personal  interview  with  me,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  some  definitive  arrangement.  An  interview  was 
accordingly  appointed  for  1  o'clock,  and  resulted  in  the  naming 
of  a  commission  to  draw  up  articles  of  agreement  regulating  the 
withdrawal  of  the  Mexican  forces,  and  a  temporary  cessation  of 
hostilities.  The  commissioners  named  by  the  Mexican  general- 
in-chief  were  Gens.  Ortega  and  Requena,  and  Don  Manuel  M. 
Llano,  governor  of  New  Leon.  Those  named  on  the  American 
side  were  Gen.  Worth,  Gen.  Henderson,  governor  of  Texas,  and 
Col.  Davis,  of  the  Mississippi  volunteers.  The  commission 
finally  settled  upon  the  articles,  of  which  I  enclose  a  copy,  (No.  4,)  , 
the  duplicates  of  which  (in  Spanish  and  English)  have  been  duly 
signed.  Agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  4th  article,  our  troops 
have  this  morning  occupied  the  Citadel. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  terms  granted  the  Mexican  garrison 
are  less  rigorous  than  those  first  imposed.  The  gallant  defence 
of  the  town,  and  the  fact  of  a  recent  change  of  government  in 
iMexico,  believed  to  be  favourable  to  the  interests  of  peace,  in- 
duced me  to  concur  with  the  commission  in  these  terms,  which  will, 
I  trust,  receive  the  approval  of  the  government.  The  latter  con- 
sideration also  prompted  the  convention  for  a  temporary  cessation 
of  hostihties.  Though  scarcely  warranted  by  my  instructions, 
yet  the  change  of  afliairs  since  those  instructions  were  issued 


202  ampudia's  letter. 

seemed  to  warrant  this  course.  I  beg  to  be  advised,  as  early  as 
practicable,  whether  I  have  met  the  views  of  the  government  in 
these  particulars.  ***** 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  Taylor, 
Maj.  Gen.  U.  S.  Army,  commanding. 
The  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army,  Washington^  D.  C. 

(No.  2.) 
D.  Pedro  Ampudia,  General-in-chiefy  to  Maj.  Gen.  Taylor : 

Head-quarters  at  Monterey, 

September  23,  1846,  9  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Senor  General, — ^Having  made  the  defence  of  which  I  beheve 
this  city  susceptible,  I  have  fulfilled  my  duty,  and  have  satisfied 
that  military  honour,  which,  in  a  certain  manner,  is  common  to 
all  armies  of  the  civilized  world. 

To  prosecute  the  defence,  therefore,  would  only  result  in  dis- 
tress to  the  population,  who  have  already  suffered  enough  from 
the  misfortunes  consequent  on  war ;  and,  taking  it  for  granted 
that  the  American  government  has  manifested  a  disposition  to 
negotiate,  I  propose  to  you  to  evacuate  the  city  and  its  fort,  taking 
with  me  the  personnel  and  materiel  which  have  remained,  and 
under  the  assurance  that  no  harm  shall  ensue  to  the  inhabitants 
who  have  taken  a  part  in  the  defence. 

Be  pleased  to  accept  the  assurance  of  m.y  most  distinguished 
consideration.  Pedro  de  Ampudia. 

To  Senor  Don   Z.  Taylor,  General-in-Chief  of  the  American 

Army. 

(No.  3.) 

Head-quarters  Army  of  Occupation, 
Camp  before  Monterey,  Sept.  24,  1846,  7  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Sir, — Your  communication,  bearing  date  at  9  o'clock,  p.  m.,  on 
the  23d  inst.,  has  just  been  received  by  the  hands  of  Col.  Moreno. 

In  answer  to  your  proposition  to  evacuate  the  city  and  fort,  with 
all  the  personnel  and  materiel  of  war,  I  have  to  state  that  my  duty 
compels  me  to  decline  acceding  to  it.  A  complete  surrender  of 
the  town  and  garrison,  the  latter  as  prisoners  of  war,  is  now  de- 
manded. But  such  surrender  will  be  upon  terms,  and  the  gallant 
defence  of  the  place,  creditable  alike  to  the  Mexican  troops  and 
nation,  will  prompt  me  to  make  those  terms  as  liberal  as  possible. 
The  garrison  will  be  allowed,  at  your  option,  after  laying  down  its 
arms,  to  retire  to  the  interior,  on  condition  of  not  serving  again 
during  the  war,  or  until  regularly  exchanged.  I  need  hardly  say 
that  the  rights  of  non-combatants  will  be  respected. 

An  answer  to  this  communication  is  required  by  12  o'clock. 


SUSPENSION    OF   HOSTILITIES.  203 

If  you  assent  to  an  accommodation,  an  officer  will  be  despatched 
at  once,  under  instructions  to  arrange  the  conditions. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  Taylor,  Maj.  Gen.  U.  S.  A.  commanding, 
Senor  D.  Pedro  de  Ampudia,  General-in-chief,  Monterey, 

T?iis  caused  a  suspension  of  hostihties,  and  it  was  stated  the 
truce  would  last  an  hour  and  a  half.  On  advancing  into  the  houses 
and  yards,  the  enemy's  pack-mules  were  discovered  saddled  up, 
as  if  ready  for  a  hasty  start,  and  every  thing  seemed  to  indicate 
that,  from  some  cause  the  preceding  night,  they  had  become  ter- 
ribly alarmed,  or,  as  the  Texians  said,  taken  ivith  a  big  scare. 
On  entering  one  of  the  houses  that  the  enemy  had  deserted  that 
morning,  a  wild  scene  of  confusion  presented  itself.  The  room 
was  well,  if  not  richly,  furnished ;  the  floor  was  strewn  with  car- 
tridges and  equipments  of  officers.  Maps,  muster-rolls,  reports, 
plans,  and  orders,  lay  scattered  over  the  table,  while  near  the  pens 
and  ink  lay  a  bunch  of  cigarritos — every  thing  denoting  that  the 
room  had  been  most  suddenly  abandoned.  By  means  of  ladders, 
the  Texians  had  now  mounted  the  tops  of  the  houses  nearest  the 
enemy,  and  prepared  to  renew  the  fight  on  equal  terms  with  the 
Mexicans,  who  were  some  eighty  or  a  hundred  yards  opposite 
from  us,  and  in  full  view.  Our  men  were  at  work  with  pick- 
axes and  bowie  knives  picking  holes  through  the  parapet  walls, 
which  line  the  house-tops  and  form  a  breast-work  about  four  feet 
high  and  two  feet  thick,  for  the  muzzle  of  our  guns,  so  that  we 
could  lie  down  and  fire.  The  enemy,  in  the  mean  time,  was  also 
busy  piling  up  sand-bags  on  the  parapets  for  their  further  pro- 
tection. In  this  situation  we  were  kept  vi^aiting  in  the  hot  sun, 
watching,  with  no  small  interest,  the  enemy,  and  expecting  every 
minute  that  the  truce  would  terminate,  when  it  was  confidently 
expected  that  the  conflict  would  be  resumed.  At  last  12  o'clock 
came,  when  an  order  was  issued  that  no  firing  should  commence 
until  a  signal  should  be  given  by  a  cannon-shot.  At  the  houses 
we  occupied,  the  Mexican  women  cooked  large  dinners,  which  they 
sold  to  the  men  at  a  picayune  a  plate.  It  was  the  first  regular  meal 
we  had  eaten  for  four  days,  and  the  men  enjoyed  it  to  the  full. 

In  this  situation  we  were  kept  waiting  until  hour  after  hour 
expired — ^but  still  no  signal  was  given.  Then  came  surmises; 
all  thought  it  a  ruse  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  to  gain  time,  as  it 
was  reported  that  they  were  expecting  a  reinforcement.  At  the 
striking  of  the  half  hours  of  the  old  Cathedral,  a  commotion  would 
take  place  among  the  enemy,  by  their  suddenly  disappearing  be- 
hind their  sand-bags,  while  we,  on  our  part,  would  lie  cose  to 
our  guns,  thinking  that  the  time  of  the  truce  had  expired.  During 
this  suspense,  Capt.  Cheshire,  a  private  of  Capt.  McCuUoch's  com- 


5M)4  DISAPPOINTMENT    OF   THE   TEXIANS. 

pany,  a  brave  and  gallant  old  warrior  of  Texas,  was  heard  to  ex- 
claim, "  Look  here,  boys,  do  you  see  those  two  Mexes  on  the  corner 
of  the  house  opposite  me  ?  Well,  don't  none  of  you  shoot  at  them, 
they  are  my  game — there's  plenty  all  round  for  you." 

Thus  hour  after  hour  passed  away,  every  one  having  picked 
out  his  man,  until  5,  p.  m.,  when  we  received  the  news  of  the 
surrender  and  the  conditions.  At  first,  a  burst  of  indignation  and 
angry  discontent  was  manifested  on  every  side.  No  loud  huzza 
rent  the  air,  at  our  triumph  over  the  enemy.  To  be  sure,  an 
order  had  been  given,  at  the  time  of  the  information,  not  to  cheer — 
but  there  was  no  need  of  it ;  all  was  still,  grave,  and  dignified — 
men  felt  as  if  they  had  been  fighting  only  to  gain  a  position  from 
which  they  could  fight,  and  in  gaining  which  the  pure  blood  of 
Americans  had  been  shed,  and  they  had  yearned  for  the  hour  to 
come  to  wreak  their  vengeance  on  the  foe.  Never  was  stern 
determination  more  deeply  marked  upon  their  features — never 
were  their  nerves  more  tightly  strung.  And  when  they  had  at 
last  gained  the  position  for  which  they  had  so  dearly  fought,  and 
held  the  enemy,  as  they  supposed,  within  their  grasp,  only  wait- 
ing for  the  order  to  crush  them,  they  were  told  that  their  foe  had 
capitulated,  and  were  to  be  allowed  seven  days  to  leave  the  city, 
and  to  march  out  with  their  arms.  The  Texians  were  maddened 
with  disappointment.  There  before  them  was  their  deadly  and 
hated  foe,  Ampudia,  whose  cowardice  and  dishonesty  they  knew, 
and  whose  horrid  cruelties  they  had  suffered  ;  who  had  deceived 
them  into  a  surrender  at  Mier,  only  to  incarcerate  them  in  the 
dungeons  of  Mexico— here,  too,  one  of  their  noblest  chiefs  had 
fallen,  and  they  had  longed  for  the  hour  of  revenge,  which  now 
seemed  at  hand,  and  felt  that  they  could  make  every  sacrifice  to 
obtain  it.  It  was  a  terrible  moment — but  their  cooler  judgment 
told  them  it  was  for  the  best,  and  gradually  they  became  more 
reconciled  ;  the  appeal  to  the  magnanimity  of  their  feelings  M'as 
not  without  avail,  and  the  storm-cloud  of  war  passed  from  the  ho- 
rizon, leaving  in  its  stead  the  mantle  of  peace. 

Thus,  after  a  hard-fought  battle  of  more  than  three  days,  Mon- 
terey, the  capital  of  Nueva  Leon,  was  stormed  and  forced  to  sur- 
render to  American  arms.  The  city  was  defended  by  forty-two 
pieces  of  artillery,  seven  thousand  regular  troops,  three  thousand 
rancheros,  or  irregulars,  with  about  two  thousand  citizens.  Our 
force  consisted  of  not  over  five  thousand  available  troops,  with  no 
battering  or  heavy  ordnance,  only  two  howitzers,  one  mortar,  and 
four  batteries  of  light  artillery,  of  four  guns  each.  With  this 
force  we  captured  a  city  of  fifteen  thousand  inhabitants,  so  fortified 
by  art  and  nature  as  to  render  it  almost  impregnable.  This  vic- 
tory on  our  part  was  attended  by  a  loss  of  five  hundred  killed 
and  wounded,  Avhile  the  enemy  sustained  an  acknowledged  loss  of 


205 

over  one  thousand.  It  was  then,  as  we  have  said,  a  masterly 
stroke  of  strategic  skill,  to  turn  the  whole  position  of  the  enemyj 
and  take  the  city  in  the  reverse.  From  this  scientific  and  bold 
manoeuvre,  resulted  the  extraordinary  success  which  crowned  our 
arms.  It  was  the  destructive  effects  of  the  mortar  that  first  deter- 
mined Ampudia  to  capitulate.  The  first  shell,  discharged  about 
7,  p.  M.,  fell  close  to  the  entrance  of  the  Cathedral,  where  the  priest 
was  performing  mass,  and  its  explosion  spread  such  destruction 
around,  that  Ampudia,  being  entreated  by  the  priest  and  others, 
immediately  wrote  his  letter  to  Gen.  Taylor,  proposing  terms. 

The  Cathedral,  an  immense  building,  was  stored  full  of  ammu- 
nition of  all  kinds,  being  the  principal  magazine  of  the  enemy,  the 
explosion  of  which  would  have  been  most  terrific  in  its  conse- 
quences. Ampudia's  letter  was  dated  at  9  o'clock,  p.  m.,  on  the 
23d,  but  Col.  Moreno,  the  bearer,  did  not  reach  Gen.  Taylor  until 
the  next  morning,  on  account  of  our  strong  picket-guard,  which 
he  could  not  approach  with  safety.  He  soon  returned  with  Gen. 
Taylor's  reply,  demanding  an  unconditional  surrender,  to  which 
the  terrified  Ampudia  would  certainly  have  assented,  had  he  not 
been  dissuaded  by  his  officers,  who  besought  him  not  to  dishonour 
them  by  yielding  to  such  terms,  to  which  they  themselves  never 
would  have  submitted. 

In  relation  to  the  question  raised,  whether  the  enemy  could  have 
been  made  to  surrender  at  discretion  or  not,  we  annex  the  follow- 
ing extract  of  a  letter  to  the  editor  of  the  Union,  from  Col.  Davis, 
as  well  as  the  details  of  the  negotiation,  and  the  final  terms  of  the 
capitulation. 

Victoria  Tamaulipas,  Mexico,  January  6,  1847. 

Dear  Sir,  *  *  *  I  did  not  then,  nor  do  I  now,  beheve  we 
could  have  made  the  enemy  surrender  at  discretion.  Had  I  en- 
tertained the  opinion,  it  would  have  been  given  to  the  commission 
and  to  the  commanding  general,  and  would  have  precluded  me 
from  signing  an  agreement  which  permitted  the  garrison  to  retire 
with  the  honours  of  war.  It  is  demonstrable,  from  the  position  and 
known  prowess  of  the  two  armies,  that  we  could  drive  the  enemy 
from  the  town  ;  but  the  town  was  untenable  whilst  the  main  fort 
(called  the  new  citadel)  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
Being  without  siege  artillery  or  intrenching  tools,  we  could  only 
hope  to  carry  this  fort  by  storm,  after  a  heavy  loss  from  our  army, 
which,  isolated  in  a  hostile  country,  now  numbered  less  than  half 
the  forces  of  the  enemy.  When  all  this  had  been  achieved,  what 
more  would  we  have  gained  than  by  the  capitulation  ? 

Gen.  Taylor's  force  was  too  small  to  invest  the  town ;  it  was, 
therefore,  always  in  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  retreat,  bearing 
his  light  arms.     Our  army — poorly  provided  with  very  insufficient 

18 


206  MEMORANDA    OF   THE    TERMS    OF   CAPITULATION. 

transportation — could  not  have  overtaken,  if  they  had  pursued 
the  flying  enemy.  Hence  the  conclusion,  that,  as  it  vi^as  not  in 
our  power  to  capture  the  main  body  of  the  Mexican  army,  it  is 
unreasonable  to  suppose  their  general  would  have  surrendered  at 
discretion.  The  moral  effect  of  retiring  under  the  capitulation 
was  certainly  greater  than  if  the  enemy  had  retreated  without  our 
consent.  By  this  course,  we  secured  a  large  supply  of  ammuni- 
tion he  had  collected  in  Monterey,  which,  had  the  assault  been 
continued,  must  have  been  exploded  by  our  shells,  as  it  was  prin- 
cipally stored  in  the  Cathedral,  which,  being  supposed  to  be  filled 
with  troops,  was  the  especial  aim  of  our  pieces.  The  destruction 
which  this  explosion  would  have  produced,  must  have  involved 
the  advance  of  both  divisions  of  our  troops  ;  and  I  commend  this 
to  the  contemplation  of  those  whose  arguments  have  been  drawn 
from  facts  learned  since  the  commissioners  closed  their  negotiations. 
With  these  introductory  remarks,  I  send  a  copy  of  a  manuscript  in 
my  possession,  which  was  prepared  to  meet  such  necessity  as  now 
exists  for  an  explanation  of  the  views  which  governed  the  commis- 
sioners in  arranging  the  terms  of  capitulation — to  justify  the  com- 
manding general,  should  misrepresentation  and  calumny  attempt 
to  tarnish  his  well-earned  reputation,  and,  for  all  time  to  come,  to 
fix  the  truth  of  the  transaction. 

Please  publish  this  in  your  paper,  and  believe  me  your  friend, 
&c.  Jefferson  Davis. 

Memoranda  of  the  transactions  in  connection  with  the  capitula- 
Hon  of  Monterey,  capital  of  Nueva  Leon,  Mexico. 

By  invitation  of  Gen.  Ampudia,  commanding  the  Mexican 
army.  Gen.  Taylor,  accompanied  by  a  number  of  his  officers,  pro- 
ceeded on  the  24th  of  September,  1846,  to  a  house  designated  as 
the  place  at  which  Gen.  Ampudia  requested  an  interview.  The 
parties  being  convened,  Gen.  Ampudia  announced,  as  official  infor- 
mation, that  commissioners  from  the  United  States  had  been  re- 
ceived by  the  government  of  Mexico  ;  and  that  the  orders  under 
which  he  had  prepared  to  defend  the  city  of  Monterey  had  lost 
their  force  by  the  subsequent  change  of  his  own  government.  A 
brief  conversation  between  the  commanding  generals  shewed  their 
views  to  be  so  opposite  as  to  leave  httle  reason  to  expect  an  ami- 
cable arrangement  between  them. 

Gen.  Taylor  said  he  would  not  delay  to  receive  such  proposi- 
tions as  Gen.  Ampudia  indicated.  One  of  Gen.  Ampudia's  party, 
I  think  the  governor  of  the  city,  suggested  the  appointment  of  a 
mixed  commission ;  this  was  acceded  to,  and  Gen.  W.  J.  Worth, 
of  the  United  States  Army,  Gen.  J.  Pinkney  Henderson,  of  the 
Texian  volunteers,  and  Col.  Jefferson  Davis,  of  the  Mississippi  Rifle- 
men, on  the  part  of  Gen.  Taylor ;  and  Gen.  J.  Ma.  Ortega,  Gen. 


DEMAND    BY    U.  S.  COMMISSIONERS.  207 

P.  Requena,  and  Senor  the  Governor,  M.  Ma.  Llano,  on  the  part 
of  Gen   Ampudia,  were  appointed. 

Gen.  Taylor  gave  instructions  to  his  commissioners,  which,  as 
understood,  for  they  were  brief  and  verbal,  will  be  best  shown  by 
a  copy  of  the  demand  which  the  United  States  commissioners  pre- 
pared in  the  conference  room,  and  here  incorporated. 

Copy  of  demand  by  United  States  Commissioners. 

^*1.  As  the  legitimate  result  of  the  operations  before  this  place, 
aiid  the  present  position  of  the  contending  armies,  we  demand  the 
surrender  of  the  town,  the  arms  and  munitions  of  war,  and  all 
other  public  property  within  the  place. 

2.  That  the  Mexican  armed  force  retire  beyond  the  Rinconada, 
Linares,  and  San  Fernando  on  the  coast. 

2.  The  commanding  general  of  the  army  of  the  United  States 
agrees  that  the  Mexican  officers  reserve  their  side-arms  and  pri- 
vate baggage ;  and  the  troops  be  allowed  to  retire  under  their 
officers  and  w^ithout  parole,  a  reasonable  time  being  allowed  to 
withdraw  the  forces. 

4.  The  immediate  delivery  of  the  main  work,  now  occupied,  to 
the  army  of  the  United  States. 

5.  To  avoid  collisions,  and  for  mutual  convenience,  that  the 
troops  of  the  United  States  shall  not  occupy  the  town  until  the 
Mexican  forces  have  been  withdrawn,  except  for  hospital  purposes, 
storehouses,  &c. 

6.  The  commanding  general  of  the  United  States  agrees  not  to 
advance  beyond  the  line  specified  in  the  second  section  before  the 
expiration  of  eight  weeks,  or  until  the  respective  governments  can 
be  heard  from. 

The  terms  of  the  demand  were  refused  by  the  Mexican  com- 
missioners, who  drew  up  a  counter  proposition,  of  which  1  only 
recollect  that  it  contained  a  permission  to  the  Mexican  forces  to 
retire  with  their  arms.  This  was  urged  as  a  matter  of  soldierly 
pride,  and  as  an  ordinary  courtesy.  We  had  reached  the  limit 
of  our  instructions,  and  the  commission  rose  to  report  the  disa- 
greement. 

Upon  returning  to  the  reception  room,  after  the  fact  had  been 
announced  that  the  commissioners  could  not  agree  upon  terms, 
Gen.  Ampudia  entered  at  length  upon  the  question,  treating  the 
point  of  disagreement  as  one  which  involved  the  honour  of  his 
country,  spoke  of  his  desire  for  a  settlement  without  further  blood- 
shed, and  said  he  did  not  care  about  the  pieces  of  artillery  which 
he  had  at  the  place.  Gen.  Taylor  responded  to  the  wish  to  avoid 
unnecessary  bloodshed.  It  was  agreed  the  commission  should  re- 
assemble, and  we  were  instructed  to  concede  the  small  arms,  and 
I  supposed  there  would  be  no  question  about  the  artillery.     The 


308^  COL.  DA  vis'  remarks  on 

Mexican  commissioners  now  urged  that,  as  all  other  arms  had 
been  recognised,  it  would  be  discreditable  to  the  artillery,  if  re- 
quired to  march  out  without  any  thing  to  represent  their  arm,  and 
stated,  in  answer  to  an  inquiry,  that  they  had  a  battery  of  light- 
artillery,  manoeuvred  and  equipped  as  such.  The  commission 
again  rose,  and  reported  the  disagreement  on  the  point  of  artillery. 

Gen.  Taylor,  hearing  that  more  was  demanded  than  the  mid- 
dle-ground upon  which,  in  a  spirit  of  generosity,  he  had  agreed 
to  place  the  capitulation,  announced  the  conference  at  an  end,  and 
rose  in  a  manner  which  showed  his  determination  to  talk  no  more. 
As  he  crossed  the  room  to  leave  it,  one  of  the  Mexican  commis- 
sioners addressed  him,  and  some  conversation  which  I  did  not 
hear,  ensued.  Gen.  Worth  asked  permission  of  Gen.  Taylor, 
and  addressed  some  remarks  to  Gen.  Ampudia,  the  spirit  of  which 
was  that  which  he  manifested  throughout  the  negotiation,  viz., 
generosity  and  leniency,  and  a  desire  to  spare  the  further  effusioa 
of  blood.  The  commission  reassembled,  and  the  points  of  capitu- 
lation were  agreed  upon.  After  a  short  recess,  we  again  repaired 
to  the  room  in  which  we  had  parted  from  the  Mexican  commis- 
sioners. They  were  tardy  in  joining  us,  and  slow  in  executing 
the  instrument  of  capitulation.  The  7th,  8th,  and  9th  articles 
were  added  during  this  session.  At  a  late  hour,  the  English 
original  was  handed  to  Gen.  Taylor  for  his  examination  ;  the 
Spanish  original  having  been  sent  to  Gen.  Ampudia.  Gen.  Tay- 
lor signed  and  delivered  to  me  the  instrument,  as  it  was  submitted 
to  him ;  and  I  returned  to  receive  the  Spanish  copy,  with  the  sig- 
nature of  Gen.  Ampudia,  and  send  that  having  Gen.  Taylor's 
signature,  that  each  general  might  countersign  the  original  to  be 
retained  by  the  other.  Gen.  Ampudia  did  not  sign  the  instrument, 
as  was  expected,  but  came  himself  to  meet  the  commissioners. 
He  raised  many  points  which  had  been  settled,  and  evinced  a  dis- 
position to  make  the  Spanish  differ  in  essential  points  from  the 
Enghsh  instrument.  Gen.  Worth  was  absent.  Finally,  he  was 
required  to  sign  the  instrument  prepared  for  his  own  commission- 
ers, and  the  English  original  was  left  with  him,  that  he  might 
have  it  translated,  (which  he  promised  to  do  that  night,)  and  be 
ready  the  next  morning  with  a  Spanish  duplicate  of  the  English 
instrument  left  with  him.  By  this  means,  the  two  instruments 
would  be  made  to  correspond,  and  he  be  compelled  to  admit  his 
knowledge  of  the  contents  of  the  English  original  before  he  signed  it. 

The  next  morning,  the  commission  again  met ;  again  the  at- 
tempt was  made,  as  had  often  been  done  before  by  solicitation,  to 
gain  some  grant  in  addition  to  the  compact.  Thus  we  had,  at 
their  request,  adopted  the  word  capitulation  in  lieu  of  surrender  ; 
they  now  wished  to  substitute  stipulation  for  capitulation.  It 
finally  became  necessary  to  make  a  peremptory  demand  for  the 


THE   TERMS   OF   CAPITULATION.  209 

immediate  signing  of  the  English  instrument  by  Gen.  Ampudia, 
and  the  literal  translation  (now  perfected)  by  the  commissioners 
and  their  general.  The  Spanish  instrument  first  signed  by  Gen. 
Ampudia,  was  destroyed  in  presence  of  his  commissioners ;  the 
translation  of  our  own  instrument  was  countersigned  by  Gen* 
Taylor  and  delivered.  The  agreement  was  complete,  and  it  only 
remained  to  execute  the  terms. 

Much  has  been  said  about  the  construction  of  Article  2  of  the 
capitulation,  a  copy  of  which  is  hereto  appended.  Whatever  am- 
biguity there  may  be  in  the  language  used,  there  was  a  perfect 
understanding  by  the  commissioners  upon  both  sides  as  to  the 
intent  of  the  parties.  The  distinction  we  made  between  light- 
artillery,  equipped  and  manoeuvred  as  such,  designed  for  and  used 
in  the  field,  and  pieces  being  the  armament  of  a  fort,  was  clearly 
stated  on  our  side ;  and  that  it  was  comprehended  on  theirs,  ap- 
peared in  the  fact  that  repeatedly  they  asserted  their  possession 
of  light-artillery,  and  said  they  had  one  battery  of  hght  pieces. 
Such  conformity  of  opinion  existed  among  our  commissioners  upon 
every  measure  which  was  finally  adopted,  that  I  consider  them, 
in  their  sphere,  jointly  and  severally  responsible  for  each  and 
every  article  of  the  capitulation.  If,  as  originally  viewed  by  Gen. 
Worth,  our  conduct  has  been  in  accordance  with  the  peaceful 
pohcy  of  our  government,  and  shall  in  any  degree  tend  to  con- 
summate that  policy,  we  may  congratulate  ourselves  upon  the  part 
we  have  taken.  If  otherwise,  it  will  remain  to  me  as  a  deliberate 
opinion,  that  the  terms  of  the  capitulation  gave  all  which  could 
have  followed,  of  desirable  result,  from  a  further  assault.  It  was 
in  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  retreat,  and  to  bear  with  him  his 
small  arms,  and  such  a  battery  as  was  contemplated  in  the  capitu- 
lation. The  other  grants  were  such  as  it  was  honourable  in  a 
conquering  army  to  bestow,  and  which  it  cost  magnanimity  no- 
thing to  give.     *     *     *     *  Jefferson  Davis, 

Colonel  Mississippi  Riflemen, 
Camp  near  Monterey,  Oct.  7,  1846. 
Terms  of  the  capitulation  of  the  city  of  Monterey^  the  capital  of 
Nueva  Leon^  agreed  upon  by  the  undersigned  commissioners, 
to  wit :  Gen.  Worth  of  the  U.  S.  Army  ;  Gen.  Henderson,  of 
the  Texian  volunteers,  and  Col.  Davis,  of  the  Mississippi  Rifle- 
men,  on  the  part  of  Major  Gen.  Taylor,  commanding  in  chief 
the  United  States  forces  ;  and  Gen.  Requena  and  Gen.  Ortega, 
of  the  army  of  Mexico,  and  Senor  Manuel  M.  Llano,  Gover^ 
nor  of  Nueva  Leon,  on  the  part  of  Senor  Gen.  Don  Pedro 
Ampudia,  commanding  in  chief  the  army  of  the  North  of 
Mexico. 

Art.  1.  As  the  legitimate  result  of  the  operations  before  this 

18* 


210  THE  TERMS   OF   CAPITULATION. 

place^  and  the  present  position  of  the  contending  armies,  it  is 
agreed  that  the  city,  the  fortifications,  cannon,  the  munitions  of 
war,  and  all  other  puUic  property,  with  the  undermentioned  ex- 
ceptions, be  surrendered  to  the  commanding  general  of  the  United 
States  forces  now  at  Monterey, 

Art.  2.  That  the  Mexican  forces  he  allowed  to  retain  the  fol- 
lowing arms,  to  wit :  The  commissioned  officers,  their  side  arms  ; 
the  infantry,  their  arms  and  accoutrements ;  the  cavalry,  their 
arms  and  accoutrements ;  the  artillery,  one  field  battery,  not  to 
exceed  six  pieces,  with  twenty-one  rounds  of  ammunition. 

Art.  3.  That  the  Mexican  armed  forces  retire  within  seven 
days  from  this  date,  beyond  the  line  formed  by  the  pass  of  the 
Rinconada,  the  city  of  Linares,  and  San  Fernando  de  Pusos. 

Art.  4.  That  the  citadel  of  Monterey  be  evacuated  by  the 
Mexican,  and  occupied  by  the  American  forces,  to-morrow  morn- 
ing at  ten  o'clock. 

Art.  5.  To  avoid  coUisions,  and  for  mutual  convenience,  that 
the  troops  of  the  United  States  will  not  occupy  the  city  until  the 
Mexican  forces  have  Avithdrawn,  except  for  hospital  and  storage 
purposes. 

Art.  6.  That  the  forces  of  the  United  States  will  not  advance 
beyond  the  line  specified  in  the  third  article,  before  the  expiration 
of  eight  weeks,  or  until  the  orders  of  the  respective  governments 
can  be  received. 

Art.  7.  That  the  public  property  to  be  delivered,  shall  be 
turned  over  and  received  by  officers  appointed  by  the  command- 
ing generals  of  the  two  armies. 

Art.  8.  That  all  doubts  as  to  the  meaning  of  any  of  the  pre- 
ceding articles,  shall  be  solved  by  an  equitable  construction,  and 
on  principles  of  liberality  to  the  retiring  army. 

Art.  9.  That  the  Mexican  flag,  when  struck  at  the  citadel, 
may  be  saluted  by  its  own  battery. 

W.  J.  Worth, 
Brigadier  General,  United  States  Army, 

J.  PiNKNEY  Henderson, 
Major  Gen,  command'' g  Texian  Volunteers. 
Jefferson  Davis, 
Colonel  Mississippi  Riflemen, 
J.  M.  Ortega, 

T.    Re  QUE  N  A, 

Manuel  M.  Llano, 
U^     „  1    C  Pedro  Ampudia, 

,      Approved :  1 2.  Tavlob, 

Major  Gen.  command'' g  U,  S,  Jitmy. 
Dated  at  Monterey,  Sept.  24, 1846. 


EVACUATION    OF    THE    CITY.  211 

On  the  next  day,  the  25th,  the  ceremony  of  the  surrender  took 
place,  and  the  Mexican  flag  on  the  citadel  went  down,  saluted  by 
their  cannon,  and  the  stars  and  stripes  rose  proudly  in  its  place, 
saluted  in  return  by  the  guns  of  the  Mexican  fort,  while  the  cheers 
of  our  brave  men  greeted  its  folds,  as  it  disdainfully  fluttered  out 
on  the  breeze  that  wafted  it  from  the  staff"  of  its  conquered  foe. 
Many  of  the  Mexican  officers  called  on  Gen.  Worth,  among  whom 
were  Don  Francisco  Berra,  who  commanded  at  the  Obis  Pado,  or 
Bishop's  Palace.  Gen.  Ortega,  Col.  Moreno,  and  others.  While 
drinking  with  these  gentlemen  upon  this  occasion,  Gen.  Ortega 
gave  the  following  toast,  at  whose  pronouns,  we  and  owr,  we  could 
not  help  but  smile.  He  said,  "  I  drink  to  the  perpetual  peace  of 
the  two  Republics,  and  may  we  hereafter  ever  be  as  brothers  join- 
ed in  one  cause,  and  let  us  show  to  foreign  nations  the  greatness 
of  our  power,  while  the  valour  of  our  arms  shall  teach  all  Europe 
that  we  can  defy  them."  That  day,  a  great  portion  of  the  Mexi- 
can cavalry  and  infantry  marched  out  of  the  city,  and  they  conti- 
nued to  leave  in  detachments  throughout  the  week,  with  a  great, 
flourish  of  drums  and  trumpets.  It  was  a  sight  indeed  to  have 
seen  the  Mexican  soldiery  marching  out  of  the  city,  dressed  up  in 
tawdry  uniforms  of  blue  and  red,without  shoes,  having  only  san- 
dals to  their  feet. 

"  That  scene  alone,"  says  Mr.  Kendall,  in  one  of  his  graphic 
letters,  "  would  almost  have  remunerated  one  for  the  long  journey 
to  Monterey.  At  the  head  of  the  column  rode  the  commander  of 
the  division  with  his  staff*,  accompanied  by  Major  Scott,  of  the  5th 
Infantry,  with  his  adjutant,  (Lieut.  Geo.  Deas,)  and  Lieuts.  Han- 
son, Robinson,  and  McLaws.  Col.  Peyton  rode  by  the  side  of  the 
chief,  and  received  a  very  affectionate  embrace  from  him  as  we 
turned  out  to  let  the  column  march  on,  when  the  head  had  reached 
Palace  Hill.  And  now  was  presented  a  scene  that  I  can  never 
forget.  Two  regiments  of  infantry  led  off',  with  colours  flying, 
drums  beating,  and  the  trumpeters  blowing  with  all  their  might. 
The  fifers  made  all  the  noise  they  could.  The  men  were  all  well 
armed,  and  the  whole  division  seemed  to  be  well  appointed,  with 
the  exception  of  shoes.  Three  pieces  of  artillery  were  in  the 
centre  of  the  column,  one  six,  one  nine,  and  one  twelve-pounder. 
The  line,  marching  four  abreast,  extended  about  one  mile.  The 
army  was  accompanied  by  a  great  many  females  ;  officers'  wives 
on  horseback,  their  faces  muffled,  and  with  hats  on  ;  soldiers'  wives 
mounted  on  donkeys  or  on  foot,  some  of  them  carrying  burdens 
that  I  would  scarcely  think  of  packing  upon  mules  ;  young  wo- 
men with  short  petticoats,  and  hats,  tripping  lightly  along  ;  young 
girls  trudging  along  with  their  httle  valuables  in  their  arms.  I 
noticed  one  pretty  little  creature,  about  nine  years  old,  with  a  pet 


212  GENERAL   AMPUDIA. 

chicken  on  one  arm,  and  a  parrot  perched  upon  her  hand*  The 
ughest  woman  I  ever  heard  of,  was  walking  behind  a  poor  little 
flea-bit  donkey,  belabouring-  him  with  a  large  stick.  The  donkey 
Was  ridden  by  a  young  woman,  a  second  edition  of  the  old  one. 
A  precious  pair,  that  mother  and  daughter.  Most  of  the  soldiers 
looked  sullen,  and  their  eyes  gleamed  with  hatred,  and  a  desire 
for  revenge." 

While  one  of  their  regiments  were  marching  out  of  the  city,  in 
passing  by  the  Texians  camp  of  Rangers,  a  captain  of  their  in* 
fantry  saw  one  of  our  horses  tied  to  a  stake  near  the  road,  and 
seeing  no  one  near,  stole  the  horse  and  rode  off  at  a  rapid  rate,  but 
being  soon  followed  by  our  men,  on  the  discovery,  he  was  over- 
taken, and  the  horse  brought  back.  On  informing  the  Mexican 
colonel  of  what  had  occurred,  the  officer,  or  horse  thief,  was  im- 
mediately arrested,  and  his  sword  taken  from  him. 

During  the  afternoon,  we  had  occasion  to  call  on  Gen.  Ampu- 
dia,  with  two  officers  of  the  7th  Infantry,  and  Col.  Moreno  as  in- 
terpreter, with  a  message  from  Gen.  Worth.  We  found  his  quar- 
ters finely  furnished,  his  tables  loaded  with  fruit,  wine  and  cigars ; 
while,  in  an  adjoining  apartment,  were  seen  several  women  gau- 
dily dressed.  On  our  presentation  to  him  he  merely  bowed, 
standing  with  his  hands  in  his  breeches,  with  a  white  jacket  on, 
and  an  unlit  cigar  in  his  mouth,  and  asked  what  we  wanted,  with- 
out even  extending  to  us  the  courtesy  of  a  seat,  much  less  to  par- 
take of  the  viands  on  his  sumptuous  table.  He  was  evidently 
drunk,  and  no  doubt  had  been,  from  appearances,  beastly  so,  the 
night  before.  He  is  a  large  man  of  full  six  feet,  inchned  to  cor- 
pulency, with  httle  shrewd,  cunning  black  eyes,  indicative  of  de- 
ceit, intrigue  and  libertinism  ;  he  wore  an  imperial,  with  a  tuft  of 
beard  on  his  chin.  There  was  nothing  in  his  manners  prepos- 
sessinp-  or  pleasing,  but,  on  the  contrary,  we  became  disgusted 
with  the  man,  and  felt  he  was  a  villain,  a  tyrant,  and  a  coward. 

The  evening  was  spent  by  the  officers  and  men  of  the  division, 
in  meeting  with  those  friends  who  had  been  separated  since  the 
commencement  of  the  battle,  congratulating  each  other,  inquiring 
after  comrades,  and  mourning  the  fate  of  the  wounded  and  the 
fallen.  In  the  houses  now  occupied  by  our  troops,  the  late  quar- 
ters of  Mexican  officers,  were  found  many  public  documents  of 
Ampudia,  which  we  give  to  the  reader  as  a  part  of  the  history  of 
the  times.  The  following  address  was  made  by  that  officer  at 
Saltillo,  on  his  approach  to  Monterey,  and  by  which  it  will  be  seen, 
he  fondly  expected  to  be  reinforced  by  Santa  Anna,  before  the 
battle  at  Monterey  should  take  place  ;  but  who  only  arrived  at 
San  Luis  Potosi,  on  the  8th  of  October,  two  weeks  after  the  battle 
was  fought. 


ampudia's  address  to  the  people.  21^ 

General's  Quarters,  in  the  City  of  Saltillo, 

August  28,  1846, 

Fellow-citizens, — For  the  second  time  1  appear  in  this  inte- 
resting part  of  the  Mexican  territory,  commanding  soldiers  who 
anxiously  seek  the  combat,  in  order  to  lower  the  insolence  of  the 
foreign  invaders  of  our  soil,  and  to  free  you  from  the  odious  sla- 
very to  which  they  will  undoubtedly  reduce  you,  should  they  suc- 
ceed in  carrying  out  their  nefarious  designs.  Of  this  truth,  you 
have  before  you  visible  examples,  in  the  unfortunate  fate  of  which 
your  neighbouring  brothers  of  Bejar,  Bahia,  and  lately,  those  of 
the  north  of  Tamaulipas,  have  been  the  victims.  What  a  con- 
trast does  this  reprehensible  system  of  conquest  present — so  un- 
worthy the  nineteenth  century — to  the  false  promises  and  base 
seductions  of  which,  on  another  side,  our  enemies  avail  themselves, 
in  order  to  cool  your  patriotic  spirit,  and  to  abate  your  desire  to 
obtain  liberty !  And  this  they  do,  fellow-citizens,  because  they 
fear  you,  and  are  well  aware  that  this  great  principle  is  incontro- 
vertible, that  "  when  a  nation  wishes  to  be  free,  it  must  be  free." 

Recollect,  my  countrymen,  the  heroic  opposition  which  the 
Spanish  nation — in  its  cities  and  forts — offered  to  the  formidable 
army  of  the  great  Napoleon — an  opposition  which  finally  resulted  in 
their  success.  And  no  less  should  you  remember  that  the  heroes  of 
the  emancipation  of  our  metropohs,  unaccustomed  to  battle — with- 
out a  knowledge  of  the  science  of  war — without  the  necessary  ele- 
ments to  attempt  it — and  without  the  great  reasons  to  actuate  them, 
by  which  we  should  be  influenced  at  present — fought  bravely  for 
a  term  of  eleven  years,  until  the  chains  which  joined  us  to  the  will 
of  a  distant  monarch  were  torn  asunder.  We  ceased  to  be  a  co- 
lony, and  Mexico,  since  1821,  has  brilliantly  shone  in  the  galaxy 
of  civilized  nations. 

My  friends,  our  brother  departments  are  preparing  for  the  battle 
— they  will  send  to  the  field  thousands  of  brave  volunteers,  with 
all  necessary  supplies  ;  and  lastly,  it  is  very  probable  that  the 
chief  of  our  independence — the  founder  of  this  republic — the 
worthy  benefactor  of  the  nation,  and  general  of  division — Don 
Antonio  Lopez  de  Santa  Anna — will  return  to  the  seat  of  war  at 
the  head  of  a  large  reinforcement  of  troops,  in  order  to  conduct 
the  campaign  personally.  Thus,  then,  cheer  up,  my  brave  coun- 
trymen, and  show  your  indignant  hostility  to  our  enemies  by  every 
means  which  your  power,  right,  and  position  should  dictate. 

Pedro  de  Ampudia. 

Soon  after  Ampudia*s  arrival  at  Monterey,  having  learned  from 
his  spies  the  force  of  our  army,  and  its  approach  towards  Serralvo, 
he  issued  the  following  pronunciamento : 


214  ampudia's  address  to  the  soldiers. 

The  General-in-chiefofthe  Army  of  the  North  to  his  Companions 
in  Arms. 

Soldiers, — The  enemy,  numberin<y  only  2500  regular  troops, 
the  remainder  being  only  a  band  of  adventurers  without  valour  or 
discipline,  are,  according  to  reliable  information,  about  advancing 
upon  Serralvo,  to  commit  the  barbarity  of  attacking  this  most  im- 
portant place.  We  count  near  3000  regulars  and  auxiliary  ca- 
valry, and  these  will  defeat  them  again  and  again,  before  they  can 
reach  this  city.  Soldiers,  we  are  constructing  fortifications,  to 
make  our  base  of  operations  secure,  and  hence  we  will  sally  forth 
at  a  convenient  time,  and  drive  back  this  enemy  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet. 

Soldiers  !  three  great  virtues  make  the  soldier  worthy  of  his 
profession :  disciphne,  constancy  under  fatigue,  and  valour.  He 
who  at  this  moment  would  desert  his  colours,  is  a  coward,  and  a 
traitor  to  his  country.  Our  whole  nation,  and  even  foreign  coun- 
tries, are  the  witnesses  of  our  conduct.  The  question  now  is,  whe- 
ther our  independence  shall  be  preserved  or  for  ever  lost ;  and  its 
solution  is  in  your  hands. 

I  have  assured  the  supreme  government  of  the  triumph  of  our 
arms,  confiding  in  your  loyalty  and  enthusiasm,  and  will  prove  to 
the  whole  world  that  we  are  worthy  sons  of  the  immortal  Hidalgo, 
Morelo,  Allende  Iturbide,  and  so  many  other  heroes  who  knew 
how  to  die  combating  for  the  independence  of  our  cherished 
country. 

Soldiers !  victory  or  death  must  be  our  only  device. 

Pedro  de  Ampudia. 

Head-quarters,  Monterey,  Sept.  14,  1846. 

From  this,  it  would  seem  the  defeat  of  our  troops  was  confi- 
dently anticipated.  The  three  thousand  "  regulars  and  auxiliary 
cavalry"  he  speaks  of,  are  the  gallant  knights  whom  we  drove 
from  Ramos  to  Marin,  with  only  forty  men  !  It  is  said  that  Am- 
pudia was  the  first  to  desert  his  colours,  and  shut  himself  in  one  of 
the  cloisters  of  the  Cathedral ;  he  therefore  must  feel  himself  a 
coward,  and  a  traitor  to  his  country.  England  must  have  been 
the  "  foreign  countries"  to  which  he  alludes,  no  doubt,  as  she  has 
supplied  Mexico  with  nearly  all  her  arms  and  ammunition :  much 
of  her  artillery  was  made  at  Liverpool,  and  her  muskets  bear  the 
stamp  of  William  IV.  with  the  word' "  Tower"  marked  on  the 
locks. 

The  boastful  assurance  given  on  his  part  to  the  supreme  go- 
vernment but  illy  compares  with  his  proclamation,  issued  after  the 
battle,  and  which  we  also  subjoin. 


^  ampudia's  account  of  the  battle.  215 

The  General  Commanding  the  Army  of  the  North  to  the  People 
of  the  three  Departments. 

Fellow  Citizens — Occupied  before  all  things  else  in  providing 
for  the  defence  of  the  rights  and  integrity  of  the  territory  of  our 
beloved  Republic  against  the  enemy  that  has  invaded  her  soil,  the 
Supreme  Government  thought  proper  to  intrust  to  me  the  com- 
mand of  the  patriotic  troops  destined  on  the  northern  frontier  to 
this  holy  purpose.  I  accepted,  with  enthusiasm,  the  post  assigned 
me — (for  the  zeal  with  which  I  have  ever  defended  the  holy  cause 
of  the  people  is  notorious  to  every  one) — and  in  the  beginning  of 
the  month  assumed  the  direction  of  such  means  as  were  in  my 
power  to  repel  the  advance  of  the  enemy.  But  fearing  that  the 
charge  would  prove  too  great  for  my  feeble  abilities,  I  solicited  the 
worthy  and  most  excellent  Senor  Gen.  Don  Juan  Neponuceno 
Almonte  to  come  and  relieve  me  from  the  comnmnd  of  the  army, 
presuming  that  the  illustrious  conqueror  of  Panuco  would  on  his 
return  to  Mexico  resume  the  reins  of  our  National  Government. 

On  the  19th  inst.,  the  enemy  having  appeared  in  the  vicinity 
of  Monterey  and  encamped  in  the  San  Domingo  woods — their 
camp  being  one  league  in  length  and  three  leagues  in  circum- 
ference. I  ordered  their  movements  to  be  carefully  observed,  and 
hostilities  to  be  commenced  forthwith;  the  generals  and  other 
officers,  who  were  under  my  command,  of  every  branch  of  the 
service,  being  all  decided  to  risk  a  combat  rather  than  retreat. 

The  redoubts  of  the  citadel  and  of  the  new  cathedral  opened 
their  fires  the  same  day  upon  the  enemy,  who  were  occupied 
during  that  and  the  succeeding  day  in  reconnoitering  and  pre- 
paring for  the  attack. 

On  the  21st,  the  assault  was  made  by  a  formidable  body  of  their 
troops,  chiefly  of  the  regular  army,  upon  the  bridge  of  the  Purisina 
and  our  redoubts  of  the  Teneria  and  Rincon  del  Diablp,  but  they 
were  gloriously  driven  back  by  our  valiant  veterans,  with  a  posi- 
tive loss  to  our  adversaries  of  fifteen  hundred  men. 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d,  Gen.  Taylor  directed  his  columns 
of  attack  against  the  Bishop's  Hill,  an  elevation  commanding  the 
city,  and  although  in  their  first  advance  they  were  repulsed  in  a 
skirmish,  a  full  brigade  of  regular  troops  returned  to  the  charge. 
Unfortunately,  two  pieces  of  cannon  and  a  mortar,  which  defended 
the  position,  got  out  of  order  and  became  useless,  and,  although 
as  soon  as  advised  of  it,  I  sent  a  reinforcement  of  infantry,  with 
two  pieces  of  hght-artillery,  to  their  aid ;  it  reached  the  hill  too 
late — the  enemy  had  already  succeeded  in  obtaining  possession 
of  the  castle. 

This  accident  compelled  me  to  concentrate  my  force  in  the 
Plaza,  in  order  to  present  to  the  foe  a  more  vigorous  defence,  and 


f^$  DESCRIPTION   OF   MONTEREY. 

to  repel  on  the  23d,  as  was  done,  the  assaults  made  by  them 
through  the  streets  and  houses  of  the  city.  But,  as  under  these 
circumstances,  I  suffered  great  scarcity  of  ammunition  and  provi- 
sions, and  in  spite  of  the  ardour  with  which  the  entire  army,  both 
regulars  and  auxiliaries,  were  animated,  I  proposed  to  the  Ameri- 
can general  a  parley,  which  resulted  in  an  understanding  by 
which  the  honour  of  the  nation  and  the  army,  the  personnel  of  the 
division  under  my  command,  its  arms  and  equipments  were  pre- 
served. 

This  is  a  true  statement  of  the  operations  of  the  campaign  up  to 
the  24th  inst.,  and  if  an  inadequate  supply  of  means  and  other 
circumstances  have  led  to  this  result,  we  have  yet  no  cause  for  a 
moment's  dismay,  for  the  Republic  will  now  put  forward  all  her 
elements  of  greatness ;  and  with  one  single  victory,  which  we 
may,  shall,  and  must  obtain,  will  solve  the  problem  definitively  in 
favour  of  our  arms. 

People  of  the  East,  the  event  which  occurred  at  Monterey  is  of 
little  moment.  The  favorite  general  of  the  Mexicans,  the  worthy 
and  most  excellent  Senor  Don  Antonio  Lopez  de  Santa  Anna,  will 
promptly  take  charge,  in  person,  of  the  direction  of  the  campaign ; 
let  the  sacred  fire  of  patriotism  continue  to  burn  in  our  bosoms, 
and  without  fail  we  will  triumph  over  our  enemies. 

Pedro  de  Ampudia. 

Head-quartees,  Saltillo,  29th  Sept.  1846. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

The  Morning  of  the  26th — Description  of  the  City  of  Monterey — Senor  Gaja — 
The  School — Senor  Serrano's  House — Anecdote — The  Cathedral — The  Val- 
ley of  Monterey — Mr.  Poinsett's  description  of  the  Country  from  Monterey 
to  Tampico — The  Ladies  of  Monterey — Seiiora  Cueller  and  her  Daughter — 
A  Romantic  Story — The  City  at  Night — Riley,  the  Deserter— Orders  of 
Taylor  and  Worth — The  Prospect  of  Peace — Texas  Rangers  Disbanded — 
Description  of  the  Bishop's  Palace — The  wounded  Mexicans — View  from 
the  Palace — Mass  at  the  Cathedral — Death  of  Father  Rey — Preparations  to 
leave  for  Comargo. 

Saturday,  the  26th  of  September,  was  a  beautiful,  clear,  cool 
morning,  and  being  ofl^*  duty,  we  enjoyed  ourself  roaming  about  the 
city.  The  principal  street  is  Calle  de  Monterey ,  which  runs  from 
the  Obis  Pado^  or  Bishop's  Palace,  through  the  heart  of  the  city, 
forming  the  south-west  side  of  the  Plaza.  On  this  street  is  situ- 
ated the  magnificent  hacienda^  or  country  seat,  of  Gen.  Arista. 
The  house  is  a  very  beautiful  white  building,  adorned  with  red 
about  the  columns  and  cornices.     The  halls  and  rooms  are  very 


THE    SCHOOL   OF   SENOR   GAJA.  217 

large  and  spacious,  with  high  ceilings.  The  garden  was  lined 
with  groves  of  orange  trees,  loaded  with  this  delicious  fruit,  and 
laid  out  in  flower  beds,  with  beautiful  pebbled  paths  between  ; 
while  on  each  side  were  baths  of  running  crystal  water,  with  vari- 
ous little  ornaments  placed  here  and  there,  making  the  whole  a 
most  delightful  spot  to  spend  a  summer  in.  As  you  proceed, 
you  come  next  to  the  first  Plaza,  on  the  right  of  which  stands  the 
ruins  of  an  old  church  and  cemetery,  where  the  bomb  battery  was 
planted,  and  which,  from  having  been  fortified,  and  now  occupied 
by  our  troops,  has  the  appearance  of  an  arsenal.  Proceeding  on 
some  distance,  you  arrive  at  the  Plaza  de  Came,  which  has  a 
fountain  in  its  centre.  Here  the  business  part  of  the  city  com- 
mences, and  on  the  left,  or  north-east  side  of  this  Plaza  is  Calle  de 
Mier,  another  very  fine  street,  and  on  which  are  some  of  the  hand- 
somest buildings.  On  this  street  is  the  Institution  or  College  of 
Sen.  Don  Jose  M.  Gaja  y  Bayona,  a  gentleman  from  old  Spain, 
who  had  opened  a  very  extensive  school  here  for  the  education  of 
the  Mexicans.  Sen.  Gaja  is  a  gentleman  of  the  old  Castihan  race ; 
he  is  a  great  philanthropist,  and  very  enthusiastic ;  and,  as  he 
informed  us,  was  once  very  rich.  He  had  travelled  through  Eu- 
rope and  the  United  States.  He  was  laudably  employed,  devoting 
his  life  to  educating  the  descendants  of  his  own  once  proud  race. 

We  became  quite  delighted  with  Sen.  Gaja,  who  took  great  pains 
to  explain  the  system  of  his  school,  and  to  extend  to  us  the  hospi- 
taHties  of  his  house.  Before  the  battle,  he  had  some  thirty  or  forty 
boarding  scholars,  from  different  sections  of  the  country,  boys  and 
girls.  His  boys,  several  of  whom  still  remained  with  him,  were 
all  neatly  dressed  in  uniform — blue  cloth  caps,  hght  blue  jackets, 
and  white  pants.  He  had  two  professors  employed  in  the  sciences, 
and  who  also  taught  the  French  and  English  languages. 

Here  we  were  introduced  to  Sen.  Eugenic  Serrano,  a  very 
wealthy  Spanish  merchant,  residing  on  the  other  side  of  this  street, 
whose  kind  invitation  to  dine  at  his  house  we  accepted.  His  house 
was  splendidly  furnished,  and  the  walls  hung  with  beautiful  tapes- 
try. The  service  was  of  silver.  We  were  presented  to  his  two 
sons  on  sitting  down  to  table,  who  were  the  only  members  of  his 
family  present,  his  lady  and  daughter  being  in  the  country.  We 
found  our  host  very  intelligent,  and  a  gentleman  of  liberal  and  en- 
larged views.  He  informed  me  that  notwithstanding  he  was  a 
citizen  of  Spain,  and  had  a  passport  from  Her  Cathohc  Majesty, 
Ampudia  had  demanded  a  large  sum  of  money  from  him  to  sup- 
port the  war,  to  which  he  objected,  and  claimed  the  protection  of 
the  Spanish  consul,  and  remonstrated  against  the  unjust  demand. 
"But,"  said  Ampudia,  "your  hat  is  Mexican,  your  clothes  are 
Mexican,  your  shoes  are  Mexican,  and  you   live  in  a  Mexican 

19 


I 


218  THE  CATHEDRAL. 

house ;  and  owning  your  house,  you  must  be  a  Mexican."  "And 
so,"  said  our  host,  "  I  was  forced  to  pay  the  scoundrel  the  sum  he 
demanded." 

To  the  right  of  Monterey  street,  towards  the  river,  and  running 
paraDel  with  it,  is  Calle  de  Morelos,  in  which  street  Gen.  Worth 
had  taken  up  his  head-quarters,  near  the  house  of  the  Spanish 
consul.  Turning  to  the  right  by  a  narrow  street,  you  enter  the 
main  Plaza  of  the  city,  wherein  the  Cathedral  is  situated.  This 
Plaza  is  surrounded  by  stores  of  all  kinds,  with  restaurants,  billiard 
rooms,  and  coffee  houses.  On  entering  the  Cathedral,  we  found 
it  filled  with  ammunition ;  the  pews  had  all  been  removed,  and  boxes 
of  cartridges,  barrels  of  gunpowder,  bomb-shells,  cannon-balls,  can- 
ister and  grape  shot,  lay  in  piles  and  heaps.  The  interior  of  the 
church  is  very  large  and  spacious,  with  a  high,  arched  ceiling,  or- 
namented with  fine  old  oil  paintings,  carvings  representing  the 
Apostles,  &c.,  and  many  images  of  the  Saints.  While  looking  at 
a  painting  of  a  very  fine  head  of  some  priest  of  olden  time,  one  of 
the  reverend  fathers  approached  us,  and  said  that  it  was  executed 
by  one  of  the  old  maestros  of  Spain,  and  that  all  the  paintings  had 
been  brought  from  that  country.  He  then  accompanied  us  through 
the  church,  which  he  said  had  been  built  more  than  two  hundred 
years,  and  showed  us  their  patron  saint,  magnificently  embroidered 
on  white  velvet,  ornamented  with  gold,  which  had  been  worked 
by  the  nuns  of  some  convent. 

Walking  out  into  the  court-yard,  to  visit  several  small  buildings 
attached  to  the  church,  we  passed  through  a  massive  gateway, 
when  the  priest  pointed  to  the  side  of  the  wall,  which  was  bespat- 
tered with  blood  and  cartilages,  and  said  that  one  of  our  shells  had 
bursted  there,  killing  several  officers  and  two  sentries.  At  the 
same  time  he  showed  us  the  room  of  a  very  strong  building,  in 
which,  he  said,  Ampudia  had  taken  refuge  on  the  night  of  the 
23d.  In  the  small  buildings  were  the  priest's  robes,  the  records 
of  the  church,  and  immense  large  wooden  coffers,  which  were 
once  well  filled,  but  as  the  holy  man  assured  us,  were  now  entirely 
empty. 

The  valley  of  Monterey  is  not  only  most  beautiful  in  point  of 
scenery,  but  as  rich  a  country  as  we  ever  saw,  producing  corn  and 
sugar  unsurpassed,  and  oranges,  figs,  grapes,  and  other  fruits  in 
abundance.  The  wines  expressed  from  the  grape  here,  are  also 
very  fine.  The  following  extract  from  an  article  in  the  New  Or- 
leans Commercial  Review,  written  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Poinsett,  for- 
merly Secretary  of  War,  and  Minister  to  Mexico,  is  descriptive  of 
the  country  between  Monterey  and  Tampico  : 

"  Monterey,  said  to  contain  16,000  inhabitants,  Linares,  which 
counts  about  6,000,  and  SaltilJo,  now  called  Leona  Vicario,  after 


MR.  Poinsett's  description  of  the  country.       219 

the  heroic  consort  of  duintani  Roo,  containing  12,000  souls,  are 
towns  pleasantly  situated  in  the  Sierra  Madre,  and  not  far  from 
each  other.  Here  the  valleys  are  fruitful  and  provisions  abun- 
dant for  the  existing  population.  There  is  no  want  of  cattle, 
sheep,  and  goats,  in  this  part  of  Mexico,  and  the  country  between 
Monterey  and  Zacatecas  abounds  in  flocks  and  herds.  The  latter 
is  a  mining  district,  and  the  capital,  situated  at  the  foot  of  an  ab- 
rupt and  porphyritic  mountain,  boasts  of  a  noble  cathedral,  a 
magnificent  town  hall,  and  the  best  mint  in  Mexico.  .  Its  popula- 
tion is  computed  at  22,000  souls,  and  three  of  the  most  productive 
mines  are  situated  in  its  neighbourhood.  They  are  all  worked, 
we  believe,  by  EngUsh  companies. 

"  The  successful  mining  operations  of  Zacatecas,  as  is  the  Case 
in  all  the  great  mining  districts  of  Mexico,  have  given  a  great 
impulse  to  the  agriculture  of  the  surrounding  country.  Like 
other  extensive  manufactories,  they  bring  together  a  numerous 
population,  and  create  a  demand  for  the  products  of  the  soil. 
The  character  of  this  population,  the  miners  of  Mexico,  Avho,  with 
their  families,  wander  about  the  country,  and  settle  themselves 
down  to  work  wherever  they  can  obtain  the  highest  remunera- 
tion, is  very  singular,  and  would  require  a  separate  essay  to  do 
justice  to  the  subject.  But  wherever  they  congregate  together  in 
large  numbers,  as  in  Zacatecas  and  Guanajuato,  they  create  a 
market  for  the  fruits  of  the  earth.  South  of  Zacatecas  is  the  fer- 
tile and  well-cultivated  district  of  Aguas  Calientes,  which  is  said 
to  produce  one-fourth  of  the  Indian  corn  and  one-third  of  the  beans 
and  pepper  consumed  in  the  state.  The  lands  north  and  east  of 
Aguas  Cahentes  are  divided  into  large  breeding  farms,  where  the 
population  is  thinly  scattered  over  an  immense  tract  of  country. 
The  next  town  of  importance  is  San  Luis  Potosi,  capital  of  the 
state  of  that  name.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  well  cultivated  coun- 
try, gardens,  and  villages,  which  may  be  considered  suburbs  of 
the  town,  and  swell  the  population  to  between  50  and  60,000, 
the  town  itself  containing  about  20,000. 

"  The  governor's  house  is  a  sohd  edifice  of  cut  stone,  ornament- 
ed with  Ionic  pilasters — the  design  and  execution  very  creditable. 
All  the  principal  streets,  which  are  very  neat  and  clean,  are  built 
up  with  stone  houses  of  two  stories,  but,  like  the  capital,  the  suburbs 
consist  of  low  small  houses  of  adabes,  or  unburnt  brick.  There  is 
in  this  place  a  spacious  convent  of  the  wealthy  order  of  Carmelites. 
San  Luis  is  an  important  commercial  city,  from  its  position  in 
relation  to  the  port  of  Tampico  and  the  interior  states  and  pro- 
vinces. Zacatecas,  Durango,  and  other  northern  and  western 
states,  receive  a  large  portion  of  their  foreign  exports  through  that 
channel. 


I 


220       MR. 

"  A  sketch  of  the  route  from  this  part  of  the  table  land  to  the 
sea-coast,  will  give  our  readers  some  idea  of  the  difficulties  that 
attend  all  communication  between  this  elevated  region  and  the 
ports  of  entry  on  the  gulf.  The  country  between  San  Luis  and 
Tula,  which  is  reached  on  the  fourth  day,  is,  for  the  most  part,  an 
arid  tract — at  least  it  appears  so  in  the  dry  season — strewed  with 
masses  of  limestone.  It  is  very  deficient  in  wood  and  water,  but 
a  large  proportion  of  it  is  used  for  grazing.  It  was  here  we  saw 
the  shepherds  roasting  the  cactus  leaves  to  feed  the  cattle ;  and 
here  we  saw  two  men  drawing  water  from  a  well  in  a  singular 
manner.  One  man  was  harnessed  to  a  rope  as  long  as  the  depth 
of  the  well,  which  was  suspended  by  a  pulley,  and  raised  the 
bucket  of  water  by  running  the  length  of  his  tether,  while  the 
other  guided  the  rope  and  emptied  the  water  into  a  cistern  where 
the  cattle  drank.  This  is  their  daily  task  from  October  to  June ; 
during  the  rest  of  the  season  there  is  no  want  of  pasture  or  w^ater. 
Near  the  mountain  of  Norla,  the  face  of  the  country  assumes  a  dif- 
ferent aspect,  and  the  road  passes  through  deep  woods  which  ex- 
tend to  the  summit  of  this  spire  of  the  Sierra.  For  a  considerable 
distance  the  road,  only  practicable  for  mules  in  single  file,  is  knee 
deep  in  fine  dust.  From  Norla,  it  descends,  by  a  circuitous  route, 
to  the  plain,  at  the  extremity  of  which  is  Tula,  a  small  and  incon- 
siderable town,  remarkable,  chiefly,  for  being  situated  on  the  verge 
of  that  arid  tract  of  country  which  extends,  with  little  intermission, 
to  San  Luis.  On  leaving  Tula,  the  face  of  nature  is  changed.  The 
road,  from  being  dry  and  dusty,  and  running  among  cactus  and 
yucca  plants,  winds  through  a  fruitful  valley  cultivated  in  corn, 
beans,  and  pepper,  and  dotted  over  with  neat  farm-houses.  A  few 
hours'  ride  over  this  fine  country  brings  the  traveller  to  the  mountain 
of  Gallos,  the  first  broad  step  in  the  ladder  of  descent  from  the  table- 
land to  the  level  of  the  coast.  The  path  is  craggy  and  steep,  and 
the  descent  occupies  about  an  hour  and  a  half.  A  few  leagues  far- 
ther on  is  the  Contadera,  which  is  longer  and  much  more  precipitous. 
This  descent  terminates  in  the  warm  region  '  Tierra  Templada.' 

"  The  valleys  here  are  fertile,  and  cultivated  in  corn,  pumpkins, 
beans,  and  pepper,  and  the  Indian  villages  are  seen  embossed  in 
orange  groves.  The  third  descent  is  called  the  Chamal,  and  the 
last,  the  Cucharas,  the  shortest,  but  most  precipitous,  brings  the 
travellers  on  a  level  with  the  coast,  the  '  Tierra  Cahente.'  Near 
the  Cucharras  he  fords  the  river  Lemon,  a  rapid  stream,  generally 
reaching  to  the  saddle-girths.  From  this  river  it  is  three  days* 
easy  ride  to  the  wretched  town  of  Altamira,  though  rather  an  arid 
country,  divided  into  cattle-farms.  A  few  hours'  row  down  a 
small  stream,  and  across  a  deep  basin  where  the  shipping  lie, 
lands  him  at  Tampico.     The  river  Panuco,  which  heads  not  far 


A   ROMANTIC    STORY.  221 

from  San  Luis,  is  navigable  for  a  short  distance  above  Tampico, 
for  boats  of  light  draught,  and  there  is  another  route  passing  near 
to  it  called  the  valle  de  Maiz.  But  the  aspect  of  the  country  is 
similar  to  that  described,  and  the  same  precipitous  mountains  have 
to  be  overcome  on  both  routes." 

The  principal  trade  of  Monterey  is  derived  from  Tampico  and 
Matamoras,  and  is  mostly  carried  on  by  Enghsh  merchants.  The 
society  is  very  good,  the  higher  orders  being  refined  and  educated. 
What  few  young  ladies  we  saw  appeared  quite  intelhgent,  were 
very  pretty,  and  dressed  in  good  taste,  after  the  European  fashion. 
Music  and  embroidery  are  their  principal  accomphshments,  in  the 
latter  they  particularly  excel.  They  have  fine  pianos,  and  the  one 
we  saw  came  from  the  United  States,  but  their  favourite  instru- 
ment is  the  guitar.  From  a  beautiful  blue  enamelled  visiting 
card,  which  we  accidentally  found  after  the  battle,  we  would 
also  infer  that  they  have  some  pretensions  to  fashionable  life. 
"  Ramon  de  la  Gerza  Floris^^  was  the  name  on  the  card,  with 
"y  su  esjoosa"  written  beneath — signifying,  rmc?  his  lady — which 
we  think  far  preferable  to  our  way  of  Mr.  and  3Irs.  Jones. 
We  saw  one  or  two  carriages,  which  looked  as  if  they  had  been 
kept  as  relics  of  the  days  of  Philip  II.  of  Spain,  for  more  ungainly, 
heavy,  and  cumbersome  vehicles  we  never  saw.  They  were 
drawn  by  six  mul6s,  driven  by  a  postilion. 

In  the  evening,  at  Senor  Gaja's  house,  we  were  introduced  to 
Senora  Cueller,  who  was  travelling  with  her  son  and  daughter  to 
Monclova ;  the  latter  she  was  bringing  home  from  a  convent  in 
one  of  the  neighbouring  states,  on  account  of  the  existing  war. 
In  passing  through  the  city,  Ampudia  had  stopped  them  and 
pressed  their  horses  and  pack-mules  into  the  service,  when  the 
senora  was  forced  to  seek  the  protection  of  Sen.  Gaja  until  after 
the  battle. 

Several  days  afterwards,  on  inquiring  after  these  ladies,  we 
were  told  the  following  bit  of  romance  by  our  Spanish  friend. 

"  The  young  lady,"  said  Sen.  Gaja,  "whose  name  was  Isabel, 
was  sitting  one  afternoon  by  the  window,  admiring  the  beautiful 
sunset,  whose  bright  hues  were  gradually  fading  from  the  moun- 
tain scenery ;  and  as  she  sat  with  her  head  slightly  turned 
towards  the  scene,  leaning  on  her  hand,  and  her  elbow  resting  on 
the  casement,  with  one  side  of  her  beautifully  curved  neck  turned 
to  the  view,  while  the  other  was  covered  with  a  profusion  of  jetty 
ringlets,  Avhich  fell  gracefully  on  her  shoulder,  I  thought,"  said 
he,  "  I  had  never  beheld  so  fair  a  picture.  She  had  not  seen  over 
eighteen  summers,  and  was  of  the  medium  height,  with  a  beauti- 
fully rounded  form.  Her  eyes  were  full  of  soul  and  melting  ten- 
derness, of  that  dark  and  briUiant  hue  which  is  so  expressive 

19* 


9Sit  RILEY,  THE   DESERTER. 

among  our  race,  and  with  a  face  beaming  with  beauty  and  love- 
liness. 

"  At  this  time  a  young  Mexican  officer,  a  captain  of  cavalry, 
passed  by  and  recognised  the  fair  Senorita^  when  quite  a  scene 
took  place,  which  drew  the  attention  of  the  mother  to  the  window. 
On  her  approach,  the  cavaher  gracefully  bowed,  but  met  with  a 
cold  and  repulsive  reception  from  the  Sehora,  which  caused  our 
gallant  captain  immediately  to  retire. 

"  The  mystery  of  this  affair,"  said  our  friend,  "  was  cleared  up 
on  the  following  morning,  when  it  was  discovered  that  the  young 
lady  had  been  carried  off  by  her  lover,  and  escaped  with  him  in 
disguise,  while  the  troops  were  marching  out  of  the  city." 

It  appeared  that,  some  years  ago,  the  gallant  cavalier  had  de- 
manded the  hand  of  his  lady-love  in  marriage  ;  but  being  refused 
by  the  mother,  and  the  young  lady  sent  to  a  convent,  our  hero,  in 
despair,  entered  the  army,  where  he  soon  distinguished  himself 
by  his  valour.  After  the  battle,  to  his  great  joy  and  surprise,  he 
accidentally  met  the  object  of  his  love  as  we  have  seen,  and  meet- 
ing with  the  repulse  from  the  mother,  who  at  once  recognised  him, 
he  determined  to  fly  with  his  affianced  bride. 

The  city,  at  night,  presented  a  most  strange  appearance ;  the 
streets  were  patrolled  by  our  soldiers — horsemen  were  dashing  to 
and  fro — men  and  officers  were  seen  standing  in  groups  around 
the  doors  of  houses,  from  whom  was  heard  the  merry  laugh  of 
revelry,  which  singularly  contrasted  with  the  stern  camp  of  the 
soldier  but  a  few  nights  before. 

The  next  day,  another  division  of  this  Mexican  army  marched 
out,  in  which  there  were  several  deserters  from  our  ranks,  who, 
as  they  passed  through  our  lines,  received  a  volley  of  hoots, 
shouts,  groans,  and  imprecations  that  made  them  wince,  and 
shrink  almost  to  the  earth.  "One  in  particular,  a  worthless 
scoundrel,  named  Riley — who  had  deserted  from  Capt.  Merrill's 
company,  of  the  5th  Infantry — received  a  passing  salute  from  his 
old  comrades,  as  he  went  out  of  the  city,  which  he  will  not  forget 
in  a  twelvemonth.  He  had  deserted  from  near  Matamoras  early 
in  the  spring,  had  succeeded  in  reaching  the  Mexican  lines,  and 
was  at  once  taken  into  the  artillery,  and  made  captain  of  a  gun. 
He  was  a  tall,  stalwart  fellow,  yet  utterly  worthless — a  noisy, 
quarrelsome,  yet  cowardly  wretch — and  his  riddance  from  the 
company  was  even  matter  of  rejoicing  rather  than  regret." 

"  Seated  upon  the  first  gun  as  its  captain,"  says  Mr.  Kendall, 
*'  came  the  renegade  Riley.  The  deserter  was  ill  at  ease,  not- 
withstanding his  comfortable  seat,  as  the  column  passed  through 
the  thoroughfares  which  were  lined  with  the  Americans ;  but  it 
was  not  until  his  eye  caught  some  of  his  old  comrades,  that  the 


ORDERS  OF  GENERAL  TAYLOR.  223 

spirit  of  the  wretch  died  within  him.  The  company  knew  that 
he  was  to  pass  out,  and  had  stationed  themselves  near  a  barricade, 
opposite  the  quarters  then  occupied  by  Col.  Duncan,  as  the  best 
position  from  whence  to  give  him  a  broadside  of  reproaches. 
*  Riley,  ye  desartin'  thafe,  ain't  ye  ashamed  of  yerself  ?'  said  one 
of  his  former  messmates,  an  Irishman,  and  one  of  the  best  soldiers 
in  the  company.  The  colour  entirely  forsook  the  face  of  the  run- 
away. '  Whin  ye  desarted,  why  didn't  ye  go  among  dacent  white 
people,  and  not  be  helpin'  these  bloody  nagers  pack  off  their  var- 
min  V  continued  the  speaker,  his  comrades  keeping  up  a  running 
accompaniment  of  groans  and  hisses.  This  was  too  much.  Riley 
jumped  from  the  gun,  every  limb  trembling  with  abject  fear,  and 
as  he  passed  through  the  barricade,  the  wretch  supported  his  tot- 
tering knees  by  placing  a  hand  on  the  revolving  wheels  of  the 
carriage.  Not  until  the  barricade  was  passed,  and  he  was  out  of 
hearing  of  his  former  comrades,  did  he  remount  his  gun  ;  and 
even  then,  so  utterly  prostrate  were  all  his  faculties,  he  had  barely 
strength  to  clamber  upon  the  carriage.  Such  was  one  of  the  scenes 
we  witnessed  at  the  evacuation  of  Monterey  by  the  Mexicans. 
Other  deserters  were  in  the  ranks  of  the  enemy — runaway  negroes 
as  well — but  not  one  of  them  was  as  well  known  as  was  the  traitor 
Riley,  not  one  of  them  received  such  a  blighting  shower  of  con- 
tempt, such  a  withering  tornado  of  scorn." 

At  evening  parade,  the  following  orders  from  Gen.  Taylor  were 
read  to  the  army,  and  on  the  28th,  those  of  Gen.  Worth  were  pub- 
lished to  his  division. 

[Orders,  No.  123.] 

Head- QUARTERS,  Army  of  Occupation, 

Camp  near  Monterey,  Sept.  27,  1846. 

The  commanding  general  has  the  satisfaction  to  congratulate 
the  army  under  his  command  upon  another  signal  triumph  over 
the  Mexican  forces.  Superior  to  us  in  numbers,  strongly  forti- 
fied, and  with  an  immense  preponderance  of  artillery,  they  have 
yet  been  driven  from  point  to  point,  until  forced  to  sue  for  terms 
of  capitulation.  Such  terms  have  been  granted  as  were  consi- 
dered due  to  the  gallant  defence  of  the  town,  and  to  the  hberal 
pohcy  of  our  own  government. 

The  general  begs  to  return  his  thanks  to  his  commanders,  and 
to  all  his  officers  and  men,  both  of  the  regular  and  volunteer 
forces,  for  the  skill,  the  courage,  and  the  perseverance  with  which 
they  have  overcome  manifold  difficulties,  and  finally  achieved  a 
victory  shedding  lustre  upon  the  American  arms. 

A  great  result  has  been  obtained,  but  not  without  the  loss  of 
many  gallant  and  accompHshed  officers  and  brave  men.  The 
army  and  the  country  will  deeply  sympathize  with  the  famihes 


224  ORDERS   OF   GENERAL   WORTH. 

and  friends  of  those  who  have  thus  sealed  their  devotion  with  their 
lives.  By  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  Taylor : 

(Signed)  W.  W.  S.  Bliss,  Jlss't  Mft  Gen, 

Official :  Geo.  A.  McCall,  Ass't  Mft  Gen. 

[Orders,  No.  39.] 

Head-quarters,  Second  Division, 

Monterey,  Sept.  28,  1846. 

The  commanding  general  of  division  seizes  the  first  instant  of 
leisure,  to  tender  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  his  command  the 
expression  of  his  thanks  and  admiration.  During  the  three  days' 
operations,  and  down  to  the  final  capitulation  of  this  important  po- 
sition, until  after  they  have  seen  nearly  twice  their  numbers  defile 
before  them  in  retreat — whether  on  the  fatiguing  march,  in  com- 
bat in  the  valley,  or  on  the  mountains,  on  the  house-tops  or  in  the 
streets,  this  noble  division  has  given  an  exhibition  of  courage,  con- 
stancy, and  disciphne  above  all  praise,  and  a  generous  and  manly 
forbearance  towards  fallen  and  humihated  foes,  which  bear  com- 
parison with  the  proudest  achievements  that  grace  the  annals  of 
their  country. 

The  general  feels  assured  that  every  individual  in  the  command 
unites  with  him  in  admiration  of  the  distinguished  gallantry  and 
conduct  of  Col.  Hays,  and  his  noble  band  of  Texian  volunteers- 
hereafter  they  and  w^e  are  brothers,  and  we  can  desire  no  better 
guarantee  of  success  than  by  their  association. 

To  Brigadier  General  Smith,  commanding  Second  Brigade; 
Lieut.  Col.  Staniford,  First  Brigade  ;  Lieut.  Col.  Childs,  Artillery 
battahon  ;  Major  Scott,  5th  Infantry ;  Capt.  Miles,  7th  Infantry ; 
Capt.  Smith,  2d  Artillery,  commanding  light  troops  ;  Capt.  Scre- 
ven, 8th  Infantry:  to  Capt.  BJanchard,  Louisiana  volunteers; 
Lieut.  Col.  Duncan,  and  Lieut.  Mackall,  he  tenders  all  his  thanks 
and  respect.  To  the  gentlemen  of  the  staiT,  Major  Munroe,  chief 
of  artillery ;  Capt.  Sanders,  mihtary  engineer ;  Lieut.  Deas,  di- 
vision quartermaster ;  Lieut.  Daniels,  division  commissariat ;  Lieut. 
Meade,  topographical  engineers  ;  Lieuts.  Pemberton  and  Wood, 
aids-de-camp,  his  special  thanks  are  due,  for  the  alacrity,  zeal,  and 
gallantry  with  which  they  have  performed  every  service.  To 
Col.  Peyton,  Louisiana  volunteers,  who  did  him  the  honour  to 
tender  his  very  acceptable  services  as  aid-de-camp,  he  feels  under 
especial  obligations  for  his  valuable  counsel  and  splendid  exhibi->. 
tion  of  courage. 

To  the  general  himself,  the  highest  and  proudest  gratification 
is,  that  such  fortunate  results  have  been  attained  with  compara- 
tively so  small  sacrifice  of  the  precious  blood  of  the  soldier. 
By  order  of  Brig.  Gen.  Worth  : 

J.  C.  Pemberton,  First-lieutenant  and  Md-de-Camp. 


.*-«rf*^' 


RANGERS   DISBANDED — BISHOP'    PALACE.  225 

The  storm  of  war  had  lulled  into  a  calm,  and  it  was  believed 
that  a  speedy  peace  would  ensue  to  perpetuate  it.  Ampudia  had 
given  assurances  that  official  information  had  been  received,  that 
commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  two  governments  were  treating 
for  peace.  It  was  known  that  a  late  change  had  taken  place  in 
the  Mexican  government — that  'Santa  Anna  had  returned,  who 
was  supposed  to  be  in  favour  of  the  negotiation,  and  consequently 
an  armistice  of  eight  weeks  was  granted  to  the  enemy,  to  give 
time  to  hear  from  both  governments. 

On  the  30th,  the  Texians  were  mustered  out  of  service,  and 
the  two  regiments  disbanded.  For  this  purpose,  we  rode  over 
to  General  Taylor's  camp.  The  joyous  laugh  and  merry  joke 
once  more  rang  through  our  ranks,  as  we  had  saddled  up  for  our 
last  scout,  and  all  was  buoyancy  and  exhilaration  of  spirit,  at  the 
prospect  of  once  more  returning  to  our  happy  homes.  The  next 
day,  a  large  quantity  of  cigars  and  tobacco,  which  was  among  the 
pubhc  property  surrendered  to  us  in  the  capitulation,  was  distri- 
buted to  the  officers  and  soldiers. 

Being  freed  from  the  duties  which  were  necessarily  imposed  on 
the  life  of  a  Ranger  or  Texas  Dragoon,  as  Gen.  Worth  had  lately 
christened  our  corps,  we  spent  the  remaining  few  days  in  strolling 
about  and  visiting  our  friends,  until  a  party  should  be  made  up  in 
sufficient  numbers  to  return  to  Comargo. 

We  had  been  riding  over  the  city  one  day,  visiting  the  different 
works  and  fortifications,  and  viewing  the  surrounding  scenery, 
when  we  found  ourself  once  more  at  the  Bishop's  Palace.  This 
**  building,  which  we  have  not  yet  described,  had  been  built  some 
fifty  years  ago,  as  a  residence  for  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  who 
had  selected  the  position  on  account  of  its  romantic  and  beautiful 
site.  It  is  said  to  have  been  once  very  splendid,  but  by  neglect 
has  fallen  to  decay.  The  walls  of  the  main  building  alone  were 
standing,  with  a  parterre  in  front,  and  a  high  flight  of  stone  steps 
leading  to  the  grand  entrance,  from  which  could  be  seen  traces 
of  its  former  magnificence  ;  the  fortifications  around,  lately  made 
by  the  Mexicans,  gave  it  the  appearance  of  some  old  feudal  castle*. 
In  the  adjoining  wings,  were  large  and  spacious  rooms,  and  in 
the  rear  were  the  remains  of  a  once  fine  garden,  where  now  stood 
several  of  our  hospital  tents,  containing  a  number  of  Mexicans 
who  had  been  wounded  at  the  storming  of  the  palace.  We  looked 
in  upon  the  poor  creatures  who  were  writhing  in  agony,  and 
shrieking  and  groaning  with  pain.  It  was  a  horrid  sight,  and 
even  in  their  torture,  as  we  gazed  upon  them,  there  seemed  to 
glisten  from  their  eyes  a  glare  of  hate  which  lit  up  their  ghastly 
features  with  a  terrible  expression. 

Turning  from  the  dreadful  scene,  we  regained  the  high  steps 


2ZB  VIEW    FROM    THE    PALACE. 

of  the  palace,  from  which  a  view  of  beauty  and  grandeur  lay- 
spread  before  us.  Below,  was  the  city  with  its  lofty  steeples,  its 
beautiful  white  houses  and  lovely  gardens,  with  the  Monte  Sillo, 
or  saddle  mountain  on  the  right,  (which  takes  its  name  from  two 
peaks  of  the  mountain,  forming  the  shape  of  a  saddle,)  at  whose 
base  murmured  the  limpid  stream  of  the  rapid  San  Juan,  with  its 
pebbled  and  rocky  shores,  while  far  to  the  left  rose  the  high  peaks 
of  the  Sierra  del  Madre^  towering  to  the  vault  of  heaven.  To 
the  east,  lay  the  lovely  green  valley  with  its  fields  and  woods, 
before  so  beauteous,  now  sad  to  look  upon  from  the  dread  carnage 
of  the  late  battle.  Off  to  the  west,  were  the  mountain  heights 
that  had  been  stormed  by  the  soldiers  of  Worth's  division,  whose 
ascent  even  now,  uncovered  by  the  panoply  of  war,  seemed  a  feat 
of  no  slight  undertaking.  Farther  on,  the  Saltillo  road  wound 
itself  along  a  chain  of  hills,  dotted  here  and  there  -withjacales 
and  ranchos,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  until  it  lost  itself  into 
a  broad  plain.  The  summit  of  these  mountains  lit  up  with  the 
golden  hues  of  the  retiring  sun,  with  the  tall  spires  of  the  city, 
and  the  green  vales  softened  by  the  rich  crimson  hght,  appeared 
in  beautiful  relief,  with  the  dark  rocky  glens  and  sombre  chapar- 
ral. It  was  a  most  lovely  and  tranquil  scene — no  longer  were 
heard  the  loud  huzzas,  the  thundering  peals  of  artillery,  the  rat- 
tling musketry,  which  made  the  mountains  tremble  at  their  base, 
but  all  seemed  as  calm  as  if  nature's  repose  had  never  been  dis- 
turbed by  the  unhallowed  strife  of  war. 

On  Sunday,  the  4th  of  October,  divine  service  was  performed 
in  the  Cathedral,  which  had  been  put  in  order  for  the  occasion,  by 
Father  Rey  and  his  companion,  the  two  Catholic  chaplains  who 
were  attached  to  our  army.  The  Mexicans  attended,  and  waited 
until  the  forms  and  ceremonies  of  mass  were  over,  when  the  most 
of  them  left,  not  caring  to  hsten  to  the  eloquence  of  a  sermon 
which  they  did  not  understand. 

Some  months  afterwards.  Father  Rey  was  killed  by  a  party  of 
Mexican  Lancers  between  Comargo  and  Monterey.  In  reference 
fo  this  cold-blooded  act,  the  Matamoras  Flag  says  :  "  What  igno- 
rance, combined  with  fanaticism,  will  do,  may  be  judged  by  the 
butchering  of  this  faithful  old  minister  of  peace.  True  to  his  di- 
vine calling,  he  forsook  friends  and  home,  to  make  easy  the  couch 
of  the  dying  soldiers.  He  came  with  no  design  of  harm  to  either 
the  Mexicans  or  Americans ;  and  was  arrested  in  his  divine  voca- 
tion by  those  who  worship  in  the  same  mode  the  same  Almighty." 

A  train  was  to  leave  the  next  day  for  Comargo,  under  escort  of 
Capt.  Shiver's  company,  and  a  small  party  of  Texas  Rangers. 
Col.  Belnap  had  also  been  ordered  down  to  bring  up  the  long 
eighteen  pounders,  likewise  several  parks  of  artillery,  and  to  has- 


MARIN.  227 

ten  up  a  large  quantity  of  supplies  that  had  lately  arrived,  and  we 
determined  with  a  party  of  others  to  go  down  under  its  protection. 
In  the  afternoon  we  called  upon  Gen.  Taylor  to  take  our  leave 
of  the  gallant  veteran,  who  received  us  very  cordially,  and  with 
his  characteristic  kindness.  The  evening  was  spent  with  our 
friends  of  the  3d  Regiment. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Departure  for  Comargo — Marin — Arrival  at  Serralvo — ^Incidents  of  Travel — 
Mexican  Customs — A  Camp  Scene — Arrival  at  Punta  Aguda — Alarming 
rencounter — Arrival  at  Mier — Senor  Don  Domingo  and  his  Daughters — 
Scene  at  Mier — Arrival  at  Guardado — A  Mexican  Dinner — Arrival  at  Mata- 
moras — Change  in  the  Place — Arrival  at  the  Brazos — Departure  for  New 
Orleans — We  put  into  Galveston — Description  of  the  City — Arrival  at  New 
Orleans — McCulloch's  return  home — Incidents  of  the  Road — The  Stam- 
pede— Scout  to  Rancho  Encarnacion — Charge  on  the  Enemy's  Picket — 
The  Return — The  Second  Scout — Daring  Feat — Discovery  of  Santa  Anna's 
Army — McCulloch's  Escape  from  the  Camp  of  the  Enemy — Arrival  at 
Agua  Nueva — The  Battle  of  Buena  Vista — The  Conclusion. 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th,  the  train  was  ready,  and  having 
bade  our  friends  "  good  bye,"  we  were  soon  on  the  road  to  Co- 
margo. Passing  through  San  Francisco,  we  arrived  at  3,  p.  m.,  at 
Marin,  and  called  on  the  old  couple  who  had  prepared  the  dinner 
for  the  Mexican  officers,  at  the  time  our  sudden  approach  deprived 
them  of  the  dinner  in  question,  and  which  our  readers  may  recol- 
lect our  officers  eat  for  them.  A  great  change  had  taken  place 
since  we  passed  through  the  town,  which  now  looked  desolate, 
ruined  and  deserted.  The  old  people  received  us  very  kindly, 
and  looked  astonished  to  think  we  had  escaped,  as  they  said  they 
heard  that  half  of  the  Americans  were  killed.     Here,  we  and  our 

friend  M made  a  hearty  meal  of  beef,  tortillas,  pepper  sauce 

and  eggs.  We  then  rode  on  for  three  miles  where  the  train  en- 
camped for  the  night.  Each  little  party  formed  a  mess  of  its  own, 
and  the  different  groups  sitting  around  their  suppers,  made  up'  a 
novel  and  grotesque  scene. 

The  train  started  the  next  morning  at  sunrise,  passed  through 
Ramos,  which  we  also  found  deserted,  with  the  exception  of  one 
or  two  jacales,  in  which  the  women  ran  to  hide  themselves.  On 
reaching  Papagayo,  where  we  made  a  retrograde  movement  on  a 
memorable  occasion,  we  found  the  miserable  place  perfectly  lonely 
and  abandoned.  The  day  was  very  warm,  and  here  we  rested 
until  the  wagon  train  came  up,  when  we  pushed  on  again  until 
we  arrived  at  our  old  camp  ground,  near  the  beautiful  stream  that 
watered  its  banks,  thirteen  miles  from  Serralvo,  but  which  we 


SsS 


ARRIVAL    AT   SERRALVO. 


found  had  become  completely  dry.  Farther  down  the  branch,  how- 
ever, we  found  some  cool  springs  gushing  from  the  rock,  and  a  fine 
hole  of  water,  which  were  very  grateful  to  us.  It  was  determined 
to  camp  the  train  here  for  the  night.  After  resting  for  a  while,  we 
found  the  prospect  for  a  supper  very  poor,  and  ascertaining  that 
a  small  party  had  gone  on  to  Serralvo,  we  pushed  on  also  in  com- 
pany with  two  or  three  more,  and  by  hard  riding  reached  the 
town  soon  after  sundown.  We  went  to  the  alcalde's  house,  but 
found  that  he  had  gone  to  the  country,  so  we  called  on  his  brother, 
where  we  found  the  party  that  we  had  been  trying  to  overtake, 
and  who  had  secured  quarters  there  for  the  night.  As  they  could 
not  give  us  accommodations,  the  alcalde's  brother  offered  to  show 
us  where  we  could  obtain  quarters,  and  led  us  to  a  miserable 
place  where  he  said  we  could  stay  in  safety  for  the  night,  that 
was,  to  sleep  in  an  open  yard  on  a  raw-hide.  We  declined  this 
offer,  and  meeting  with  a  Mexican  w^e  had  known  before,  he  took 
us  to  the  house  of  Don  Manuel  Maren,  who  kept  a  grocery, 
where  we  obtained  a  good  supper  and  bed.  There  was  no  gate- 
way to  the  yard,  so  they  led  our  horse  through  the  house,  as  we 
requested,  for  safety.  The  old  woman  was  very  cross  and  ugly, 
and  wanted  us  to  sleep  in  the  yard  on  a  hide,  which  we  under- 
stood was  the  usual  accommodation  given  to  strangers,  it  present- 
ing, we  suppose,  the  most  favourable  opportunity  for  robbing 
them.  After  a  family  discussion  on  the  subject,  they  decided 
that  as  we  were  to  pay  them  well,  we  should  sleep  in  the  house. 
Giving  them  to  understand  that  the  train  would  be  up  in  the 
morning,  and  that  if  any  harm  should  happen  to  us,  they  would 
be  the  sufferers,  we  retired,  placing  our  arms  under  our  pillow. 
For  an  hour  we  heard  much  whispering,  and  then  a  movement  in 
the  next  room  to  us,  but  fatigue  overcoming  our  fears,  we  soon 
fell  into  a  sound  slumber. 

The  morning  of  the  7th  was  clear  and  pleasant,  we  awoke  re- 
freshed, and  found  all  right.  Not  so,  however,  with  the  party  at 
the  alcalde's  brother,  who  slept  in  the  yard,  and  were  robbed  dur- 
ing the  night  of  all  their  fire-arms,  which  were  taken  from  under 
their  heads.  The  train  did  not  come  up  until  11,  a.  m.,  mean- 
while we  took  a  stroll  about  the  town,  and  met  our  old  friends 
Juan  de  Vila  and  his  wife,  who  embraced  us,  and  seemed  over- 
joyed at  our  return.  This  is  a  custom  of  the  Mexicans,  who 
always  embrace  their  friends  after  an  absence.  The  Senora 
pressed  us  to  stay  to  dinner,  which  invitation  we  accepted,  as  the 
command  was  not  to  move  until  2,  p.  m.,  on  account  of  the  heat  of 
the  weather.  After  a  hearty  meal  we  were  offered  some  cigar- 
ritos,  and  a  cushion  was  placed  on  a  mat  for  us  to  take  a  siesta. 
In  the  afternoon  the  train  moved  on  and  encamped  before  dark 


INCIDENTS    OF   TRAVEL.  229 

near  a  little  creek.  A  camp  guard  was  posted,  and  from  the  dif- 
ferent groups  a  loud  laugh  would  occasionally  be  heard  at  some 
story  being  told  by  one  of  the  mess — when  at  tattoo  they  retired. 
The  weather  continued  very  warm,  and  the  teams  travelled 
very  slowly.  We  met  detachments  of  troops  scattered  along  the 
road,  on  their  way  up  to  reinforce  Gen.  Taylor.  At  11,  a.  m.,  we 
arrived  at  Punta  Aguda ;  this  place  too  had  much  changed,  and  as  we 
passed  through  it,  we  thought  of  the  scene  of  the  fandango  which 
we  described  in  one  of  our  scouts,  but  could  see  no  face  that  we 
knew.  We  kept  on  until  about  5,  p.  m.,  when  we  came  to  another 
old  camping  ground,  about  twelve  miles  from  Mier.  Here  the 
command  again  halted  for  the  night.  Provisions  had  run  very 
low,  and  being  told  that  a  party  had  just  started  for  Mier,  we  rode 
on  to  overtake  them.  The  road  from  this  to  Mier  lies  over  a 
rolhng  barren  waste,  with  occasional  high  hills.  Between  Marin 
and  Serralvo,  we  found  the  skeletons  of  one  or  two  men  who  had 
been  murdered  by  the  rancheros,  one  of  which  was  supposed  to 
have  been  that  of  Dr.  Alsbury,  a  suttler.  This  part  of  the  road 
towards  Mier  was  also  said  to  be  very  dangerous.  We  had  con- 
tinued on  for  about  three  miles,  without  seeing  any  thing  of  the 
party  supposed  to  be  ahead  of  us,  when  the  sun  which  had  set 
in  the  western  sky,  went  down  very  red  and  angry,  and  the  wind 
blew  almost  a  gale.  We  continued  on  our  lonely  and  dreary  road, 
however,  still  hoping  to  overtake  our  comrades. 

Night  had  now  come  upon  us.  There  was  no  moon,  and  the 
flying  clouds  in  the  heavens  betokened  a  storm.  Still,  in  the 
west,  there  hung  a  broad  streak  of  light  which  rendered  the  road 
visible,  though  indistinct.  On  descending  a  long  hill,  we  thought 
we  discovered  on  the  opposite  ridge  a  party  of  men  on  foot,  who 
seemed  to  creep  out  of  the  chaparral  on  the  road-side,  and  then 
again  conceal  themselves.  W^ith  the  wind  in  our  face,  and  whis- 
tling through  the  low,  stumpy  bushes  that  lined  the  road,  we 
imagined  that  we  could  hear  them  talking  in  a  low  under-tone. 
The  case  was  desperate  ;  so  we  prepared  for  the  worst.  Our 
horse  had  been  ridden  hard,  and  ourself  much  fatigued ;  so  there 
was  no  turning  back,  as  we  might  be  pursued  and  overtaken.  Our 
double-barreled  shot-gun  was  loaded  with  buckshot ;  the  only 
chance  was  to  make  a  sure  fire,  and  put  our  horse  to  his  utmost 
speed.  On  ascending  the  hill,  we  thought  of  an  old  Texian  ruse; 
so  touching  our  horse  with  the  spur,  and  waving  our  hat  behind 
us,  we  gave  a  shout,  as  if  caUing  on  a  large  party  in  the  rear, 
and  dashed  forward  to  where  we  supposed  the  enemy  to  lie  in 
ambush.  On  arriving  at  the  spot,  to  our  great  surprise  and  rehef, 
a  large  flock  of  turkey  buzzards  rose  up  with  a  loud  flapping 
noise,  which  at  once  dispelled  our  fears,  as  we  burst  into  a  loud 

20 


230  AT   MIER. 

laugh  at  the  result  of  our  expected  terrible  encounter.  We  rode 
on  till  we  came  to  where  some  three  or  four  roads,  which  had 
been  made  by  the  trains  since  we  were  last  here,  intercepted 
each  other,  when  we  became  puzzled  as  to  which  road  to  take-^ 
knowing",  however,  that  the  town  lay  to  the  right  of  the  main 
road,  we  shaped  our  course  accordingly,  judging  that  we  could 
not  be  far  off  from  it.  We  kept  on  until  our  horse  made  a  dead 
halt,  and  refused  to  go  under  the  influence  of  the  spur,  when  we 
got  down  to  examine  what  was  the  matter,  and  found  we  had  been 
urging  the  animal  over  a  deep  ravine  of  about  seventy  feet  deep. 
Convinced  that  we  were  lost,  we  prepared  to  camp  until  daylight ; 
so  we  spread  our  blanket  and  commenced  unsaddhng  our  horse, 
when  the  sound  of  the  church-bell  striking  the  hour  was  wafted 
to  our  ears  by  the  breeze.  Never  did  the  most  impassioned  strains 
of  music  sound  so  sweetly  to  us  !  Mounting  our  horse  again,  we 
followed  the  sound,  and  was  soon  before  the  walls  of  the  town. 
Taking  a  guide,  we  presently  found  the  house  of  our  old  Italian 
friend  Domingo  Moricio,  whose  family  received  us  with  the 
warmest  greetings.  What  was  our  surprise  to  find  a  party  of 
Texians  who  had  arrived  here  in  the  early  part  of  the  day  !  We 
had  been  misinformed  as  to  the  party  which  was  supposed  to  have 
gone  on  ahead.  After  seeing  our  horse  well  fed,  we  partook  of  a 
fine  supper,  and  related  the  adventures  of  our  journey  to  our  com- 
rades. Many  a  wild  story  followed,  and,  while  in  the  height  of  our 
merriment,  the  soft  notes  of  a  guitar  accompanied  by  the  sweet 
voice  of  one  of  Don  Domingo's  daughters,  produced  a  total 
silence,  as  the  rich  notes  swelled  upon  the  evening  air. 

Friday,  the  9th,  was  a  beautiful  morning,  and  the  cool,  balmy 
air  was  dehcious.  At  sun-rise,  we  walked  down  to  the  river  Sa 
Juan  to  water  our  horse.  It  was  a  lovely  scene ;  women  am 
young  girls  were  filling  their  water-jars ;  one  or  two  Mexica 
were  seen  crossing  the  river  on  horses  ;  cattle  and  flocks  of  sheep 
and  goats  were  seen  grazing  near  by ;  birds  were  singing  their 
morning  carols,  and  the  waters  rippled  along  with  an  enchanting 
murmur  over  their  rocky  bed — the  whole  making  as  sweet  a 
landscape  as  one  would  wish  to  look  upon. 

After  a  delightful  breakfast,  we  bade  our  friends  farewell,  and, 
without  waiting  for  the  train  to  come  up,  started  off  with  our 
comrades  for  Comargo.  At  2,  p.  m.,  we  arrived  at  our  old 
camp-ground,  Guardado,  near  the  lake,  where  we  stopped  to  get 
dinner  at  the  house  of  a  Mexican.  Some  boiled  meat,  with  pep- 
per-sauce and  tortillas,  were  soon  prepared  for  us  by  a  young 
girl,  and  setting  the  dishes  containing  the  same  near  the  door,  and 
placing  some  cushions  for  us  to  sit  on,  we  were  told  that  our  din- 
ner was  ready ;  so  using  our  fingers  for  knives  and  forks,  we  made  a 


COMARGO MATAMORAS — POINT   ISABEL.  231 

hearty  meal.  At  6,  p.  m.,  we  crossed  the  river  and  arrived  once 
more  at  Comargo.  Here  we  met  a  few  friends  ;  but  this  place  had 
also  changed  very  much  since  we  last  camped  here,  and  new 
faces  had  taken  the  place  of  old  ones.  All  was  stir  and  activity, 
and  great  excitement  prevailed. 

The  next  morning  the  train  arrived,  and  at  4,  p.  m.,  we  took 
passage  on  the  steamer  Whitesville,  Capt.  Dunn,  for  the  mouth  of 
the  Rio  Grande.  We  had  a  pleasant  party  on  board,  and  the 
time  passed  very  agreeably.  On  Monday,  the  12th,  we  stopped 
at  a  wood-pile,  where  we  saw  a  natural  curiosity  in  the  shape  of  a 
white  Mexican  boy  with  red  eyes  1  On  Tuesday,  we  arrived  at 
Matamoras.  Here,  too,  was  another  change  ;  the  American  me- 
chanic had  taken  the  place  of  the  Mexican ;  new  stores  had  been 
opened  with  large  stocks  of  goods,  and  in  coffee-houses  and  grog- 
shops were  seen  farro  banks  and  all  kinds  of  gambling  games 
going  on.  Over  a  dingy-looking  shanty,  was  a  sign  painted 
'''Head-quarters  of  the  Volunteers.''^  '■'Mush  and  Milk  T^  We 
had  barely  time  to  visit  our  friend,  the  old  French  baker,  when 
the  steamer's  bell  rang,  and,  bidding  all  good-bye,  we  reached  the 
boat,  and  were  once  more  on  our  way  towards  the  mouth.  We 
arrived  the  next  day  at  11,  a.  m.  A  boat  was  ready  to  leave  for 
the  Brazos  ;  but,  as  it  was  blowing  a  gale,  and  the  breakers  very 
heavy,  she  was  detained. 

On  the  morning  of  the  15th,  the  wind  having  abated,  we  crossed 
the  bar,  and  arrived  at  Brazos  St.  Jago  at  10,  a.  m.  Large  ware- 
houses had  been  built  since  we  were  here  last,  and  the  place 
looked  very  lively  to  what  it  did  when  we  were  encamped  on  its 
sand-banks.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hart  were  here  with  a  theatrical 
company,  who,  we  were  told,  were  drawing  "  crowded  houses." 
The  next  day  we  visited  Point  Isabel,  which  we  found  very  much 
improved — a  fine  hotel  having  been  built,  which  was  kept  in 
good  style.  On  the  19th,  we  took  passage  in  the  steam  propeller 
"Florida,"  and  at  4,  p.  m.,  got  under  way  for  New  Orleans. 
It  was  blowing  fresh  at  the  time,  and  our  pilot  had  some  misgivings 
as  to  there  being  water  enough  to  take  us  over  the  bar.  The 
breakers  ran  very  high,  and  we  had  to  go  through  their  midst.  Our 
craft  stood  boldly  out,  as  if  determined  to  meet  the  danger  with  a 
fearless  front.  On  she  sped,  now  rising  with  a  wave  which  seem- 
ingly the  next  moment  would  lower  her  to  the  very  bottom.  "  Port ;" 
"  starboard  ;"  "  steady ;"  were  heard  in  quick  succession  from 
the  pilot,  when  our  craft  struck  with  a  violent  shock,  startling  all 
on  board  and  producing  great  excitement  among  the  passengers. 
Again  she  rose  majestically ;  again  she  struck  ;  but  not  so  se- 
verely. All  sail  and  steam  were  now  put  upon  her,  and,  having 
gained  the  middle  of  the  breakers,  she  rose  fearfully  on  a  moun- 


232  MAj.  Mcculloch  and  the  Indians. 

tain  wave,  which  fortunately  carried  her  over  the  bar.  We  stood 
off  to  the  north-west,  having  a  head  wind,  which  lasted  until  we 
arrived  at  Galveston,  at  which  port  we  put  in  on  the  25th,  being 
out  of  provisions,  &c. 

Galveston  is  one  of  the  most  dehghtful  places  that  we  ever 
visited.  The  chaste  beauty  of  its  buildings,  with  the  spires  of  its 
churches  rising  above  the  city,  seemed  to  diffuse  a  happy  influence 
about  the  place,  making  one  feel  as  if  he  could  wish  to  call  it 
home.  Here  we  met  many  kind  friends,  and  the  next  evening 
attended  a  most  dehghtful  assembly,  which  was  greatly  enhanced 
by  the  long  privations  and  hardships  to  which  we  had  been 
exposed. 

On  the  27th,  we  left  Galveston  for  New  Orleans,  on  the  steam- 
ship Palmetto,  Capt.  Lewis,  where  we  arrived  after  a  most  delight- 
ful passage  of  two  days,  once  more  rejoiced  to  find  ourselves  in 
the  city  of  our  adopted  home. 

We  must  now  go  back  to  follow  Maj.  McCulloch,  who  had  left 
Monterey,  with  sixteen  of  his  men,  for  San  Antonio,  Texas. 
Having  crossed  the  Nueces  with  some  difficulty  about  mid-day, 
the  party  were  reclining  upon  the  grass  to  rest  themselves,  when 
a  couple  of  daring  Comanches  rushed  in  among  the  horses  close 
by,  and  by  their  yells  and  accompanying  antics  succeeded  in 
stampeding  the  entire  cavaUada,  with  the  exception  of  Maj. 
McCulloch's  horse  and  that  of  the  brave  Capt.  Cheshire.  These 
gentlemen  mounted  at  once,  and  put  off  in  pursuit.  On  coming 
up  with  them,  McCulloch  received  a  flight  of  arrows,  one  of 
which  wounded  his  horse  and  caused  him  to  dismount.  He  and' 
one  of  the  Indians  then  commenced  manoeuvring  for  advantages. 
McCulloch  could  not  bring  his  five-shooter  to  bear.  Meantime 
the  other  Indian,  armed  with  a  rifle,  was  creeping  round  trying  to 
level  it  upon  McCulloch  ;  but  the  major  was  too  cunning  to  be 
caught  even  in  a  double-handed  game.  By  this  time  Cheshire 
came  up,  when  McCulloch  proposed  a  charge.  Cheshire,  however, 
thinking  it  more  prudent  to  try  his  rifle,  fired ;  but  it  did  not  tell. 

The  manoeuvering  continued — it  was  a  sort  of  running  fight. 
McCulloch  charged  up  close  enough  to  let  loose  his  repeater ;  two 
shots  did  no  execution  ;  at  the  third  it  broke,  and  the  Indian  es- 
caped. Cheshire  now  fired  and  wounded  his  man ;  the  Indians 
retreated,  leaving  the  horses.  The  Texians  drove  them  back  in 
triumph  to  the  camp.  In  the  interim,  the  foot  company  were  in 
the  utmost  suspense,  watching  the  prairie  to  catch  a  glimpse  of 
their  returning  comrades ;  and  when  they  at  last  hove  in  sight 
with  the  horses  safe  and  sound,  the  air  was  rent  with  huzzas. 
Never  was  there  a  more  joyful  crowd,  for  never  did  a  set  of  gen- 
tlemen come  nesiiGi footing  it  into  white  settlements. 


Mcculloch's  scout  to  encarnacion.  233 

Major  McCulloch  left  Monterey  with  the  understanding  and  by 
the  request  of  Gen.  Taylor,  that  in  case  hostihties  should  be  com- 
menced, he  was  to  return.  No  sooner  had  the  terms  of  the  ca- 
pitulation been  signed,  than  the  anchor  of  hope  on  which  we  had 
leaned  for  peace  was  found  giving  way  under  doubts,  arising  from 
a  knowledge  of  the  treacherous  and  deceitful  character  of  our  foe ; 
and  we  had  hardly  reached  our  homes  before  it  was  known  that 
our  government  had  ordered  the  armistice  to  terminate. 

On  the  31st  of  January,  Major  McCulloch,  with  twenty-seven 
of  his  men,  arrived  at  Monterey,  and  finding  the  army  on  the 
march  to  Sakillo,  he  continued  on  to  that  city,  where  he  arrived 
on  the  4th  of  February,  and  reported  to  Gen.  Taylor.  His  com- 
pany was  mustered  into  service  for  six  months,  with  orders  to  re- 
main and  recruit  his  horses  until  called  upon.  On  the  15th  of 
February,  he  was  ordered  to  repair  to  Agua  Nueva,  eighteen  miles 
distant,  where  Gen.  Taylor  had  made  his  head-quarters,  and  who 
ordered  him  to  make  a  reconnoissance  as  far  as  Encarnacion,  a 
very  large  rancho,  which  was  about  thirty  miles  off,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  obtaining  information  in  regard  to  the  advance  of  Santa 
Anna's  army. 

On  the  16th,  Major  McCulloch,  accompanied  by  sixteen  of  his 
picked  men,  with  Capt.  Howard,  and  Mr.  T.  L.  Crittenden  and 
Lieut.  Clark,  of  the  Kentucky  Infantry,  proceeded  on  this  exciting 
scout.  Nothing  of  interest  took  place  until  about  11,  p.  m.,  when 
they  arrived  within  a  mile  of  the  town.  Here  they  met  with  the 
enemy's  picket,  who  fired  a  gun  at  them  and  retreated  to  a  rancho. 
Not  knowing  the  country,  Major  McCulloch  was  obliged  to  keep 
the  road.  The  detachment  was  now  formed  so  as  to  repel  attack 
and  to  prevent  surprise.  The  night  was  very  dark.  They  con- 
tinued on  cautiously  feeling  their  way,  when  an  obstacle  pre- 
sented itself  before  them  that  seemed  to  prevent  their  farther  ad- 
vance ;  this  was  first  taken  for  a  brush  fence  across  the  road,  but 
on  arriving  within  thirty  paces,  they  discovered  it  to  be  a  squad  of 
some  twenty  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  drawn  up  in  battle  array. 
The  scouting  party  was  immediately  challenged  with  quien  vive? 
and  before  an  ansv»"er  could  be  returned,  they  received  the  whole 
of  the  enemy's  fire.  Major  McCulloch  immediately  gave  the 
order  to  charge,  which  was  done  in  gallant  style ;  the  enemy's 
column  wheeled,  opening  to  the  right  and  left,  and  retreated  at  a 
break-neck  pace ;  our  men  dashed  after  them,  and  so  hotly  did 
they  continue  the  pursuit,  that  they  were  enabled  to  ascertain  the 
probable  strength  of  the  enemy  at  Encarnacion,  which  was  sup- 
posed to  be  about  1500  cavalry.  The  charge  ordered  by  Major 
McCulloch  might  appear  rash,  if  not  reckless,  when  it  is  considered 
that  he  was  entirely  ignorant  of  the  force  that  opposed  his  squad 

20* 


234  DARING   FEAT. 

of  men.  But  his  position  was  as  critical  as  it  was  perilous,  and 
in  order  to  save  his  men,  and  prevent  the  enemy  from  charging 
him,  he  was  forced  to  pursue  the  course  he  did.  It  was  quick 
work,  and  there  was  no  time  for  thought.  The  manoeuvre  suc- 
ceeded, and  they  came  off  without  pursuit  and  without  loss. 
Having  obtained  the  desired  information,  it  was  thought  most  pru- 
dent to  return  to  Agua  Nueva,  as  it  was  known  that  Gen.  Miiion 
was  in  our  rear,  and  the  risk  was  very  great  of  being  cut  off;  ac- 
cordingly, the  detachment  fell  back,  and  arrived  the  next  day  safe 
in  camp,  without  further  incident. 

On  the  20th  of  February,  McCulloch  again  received  orders  to 
proceed  to  Encarnacion,  to  gain  farther  intelligence  relative  to 
Santa  Anna's  advance.  In  scouting  to  an  enemy's  camp,  though 
attended  with  extreme  peril,  it  will  readily  be  perceived  that  there 
is  greater  security  Avith  a  few  men,  who  can  more  easily  effect  an 
escape,  than  to  go  in  force.  The  major,  therefore,  upon  this  occa- 
sion, took  with  him  only  four  men,  and  his  second-lieutenant, 
Fielding  Alston,  accompanied  by  Lieut.  Clark,  of  the  Kentucky 
Infantry.  There  was  no  water  to  be  obtained  upon  the  whole 
route  ;  consequently,  the  scouts  did  not  start  until  4,  p.  m.,  in  order 
to  travel  in  the  cool  of  the  day,  as  well  as  to  cover  their  approach 
by  the  darkness  of  the  night. 

About  six  miles  from  Agua  Nueva,  near  our  picket-guard,  they 
met  with  a  Mexican  deserter,  who  stated  tbat  Santa  Anna  had  ar- 
rived at  Encarnacion,  with  20,000  troops.  The  Mexicans  had 
circulated  so  many  rumors  that  little  or  no  confidence  was  to  be 
put  in  what  they  said.  McCulloch  ordered  the  guard  to  take  the 
deserter  to  Gen.  Taylor,  and  proceeded  on  his  way  with  the  squad. 
At  sundown  the  party  left  the  main  road  and  turned  off  into  the 
thick  chaparral  to  conceal  themselves,  and  only  touched  the  road 
twice  during  the  route,  which  was  for  the  purpose  of  crossing  it. 
About  midnight  they  arrived  in  sight  of  Encarnacion,  and  found  the 
Mexicans  encamped  in  force.  The  mcon  had  just  set,  and  it  was 
quite  dark.  Continuing  on,  they  stealthily  moved  along  unper- 
ceived,  passing  inside  of  the  enemy's  picket,  until  they  arrived 
close  to  the  camp-guard  of  the  Mexicans.  Here  a  reconnoissance 
was  made  to  ascertain  the  length  of  the  encampment ;  they  then 
fell  back  about  half  a  mile  to  feed  their  horses  on  some  oats, 
which  they  had  carried  with  them.  Major  McCulloch  now  con- 
cluded to  send  back  Lieut.  Alston  and  the  rest  of  his  little  party, 
with  the  exception  of  one  man,  William  Phillips,  to  report  imme- 
diately to  Gen.  Taylor,  the  probable  strength  of  the  enemy,  and 
to  state  that  he  would  remain  behind  until  daylight,  for  the  purpose 
of  obtaining  a  fuller  view  of  the  enemy's  camp. 

The  intrepid  McCulloch  was  now  left  with  but  one  man.     De- 


Mcculloch's  narrow  escape.  235 

termined  to  obtain  the  fullest  information,  they  were  again  ap- 
proaching by  another  fork  of  the  road,  when  they  suddenly  came 
in  contact  with  the  enemy's  picket,  who  immediately  pursued 
them.  To  be  caught  was  certain  death  ;  McCulloch  and  Phillips, 
therefore,  to  elude  them,  and  avoid  the  chase,  boldly  galloped  down 
towards  the  enemy's  camp,  going  within  less  than  half  a  mile  of 
their  lines !  By  this  daring  feat  they  escaped,  the  picket  taking  them 
for  their  own  men  trying  to  pass  out !  Falling  back  to  a  hill  about 
a  mile  distant,  they  concealed  themselves  until  daylight,  when 
their  horses  were  almost  stampeded  by  the  noise  of  the  Mexicans' 
numerous  trumpets  and  drums,  with  which  they  beat  their  reveille. 
At  sunrise  a  heavy  smoke  settled  down  upon  our  scouts,  caused 
by  the  green  wood  of  the  Mexican  fires,  which  had  now  been  ht, 
and  there  being  no  breeze  to  carry  it  away,  McCulloch,  although 
he  had  a  fine  glass  with  him,  was  prevented  from  seeing  but  little 
more  than  he  had  during  the  night.  He  then  started  on  his  return, 
and  had  not  gone  over  one  hundred  yards  when  he  discovered  two 
picket-guards  of  twenty  men  each,  in  his  advance.  They  were 
stationed  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  apart  on  the  forks  of  the  road 
which  separated  about  eight  miles,  and  again  met  at  the  rancho. 
McCulloch  and  Phillips  were  between  the  two  roads,  and  were 
compelled  to  pass  between  the  picket-guards  on  each  side  of  them. 
Here  they  again  had  to  run  the  gauntlet ;  so  holding  down  their 
guns  by  the  side  of  their  horses,  that  they  might  not  be  perceived 
by  the  pickets,  they  rode  slowly  and  deliberately  along,  to  induce 
the  enemy  to  suppose  that  they  were  Mexicans.  The  pickets 
having  been  on  guard  all  night  without  any  fire,  and  it  being  very 
cold,  had  kindled  large  fires  after  daylight,  and  having  tied  their 
horses,  were  warming  themselves,  when  the  two  scouts  passed  out 
between  them  Avithout  being  hailed,  the  enemy  no  doubt  taking 
them  for  Mexicans  hunting  stray  horses.  Pursuing  their  course 
about  eight  miles,  McCulloch  ascended  a  high  hill  to  take  a  look 
at  a  place  upon  the  road  called  Tanc  le  Vaca,  about  four  miles  dis- 
tant, where  he  expected  to  find  another  picket  of  the  enemy,  and 
true  enough  there  they  were.  He  remained  at  this  place  until 
about  nine  o'clock,  a.  m.,  watching  both  the  movements  of  the  picket 
and  the  main  army,  which  now  could  be  seen  quite  plainly  with 
his  glass,  hoping  that  the  picket  of  the  enemy  might  be  called  in, 
and  thus  make  his  escape.  But  finding  that  they  were  not  re- 
heved,  he  avoided  them  by  keeping  around  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tains, and  thus  passed  them  unobserved,  notwithstanding  the 
narrowness  of  the  pass. 

Once  more  beyond  the  reach  of  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  freed 
from  their  late  dangerous  position,  they  took  a  long  breath,  and 
galloped  on  with  light  hearts  towards  the  camp  at  Agua  Nueva. 


236  BATTLE    OF    BUENA    VISTA. 

They  arrived  in  sight  on  the  afternoon  of  the  21st.  Not  a  tent 
was  seen  standing,  but  a  long  column  of  dust  was  discovered  upon 
the  route  to  Buena  Vista ;  our  army  having  been  immediately 
ordered  to  fall  back  on  the  reception  of  the  news  brought  by  Lieut. 
Alston.  Having  come  up  to  the  camp,  where  a  small  force  still 
remained,  McCulloch  found  Gen.  Taylor  anxiously  waiting  for 
him,  who,  on  receiving  the  farther  particulars,  and  the  information 
that  Santa  Anna  was  on  the  march,  in  full  force,  merely  observed, 
"  Very  well,  Major,  that's  all  I  wanted  to  know.  I  am  glad  they 
did  not  catch  you ;"  and  mounting  his  horse,  rode  off  with  his 
staff  for  Buena  Vista. 

The  22d  of  February,  once  only  sacred  for  the  birth  of  Wash- 
ington, was  this  day  hallowed  by  the  commencement  of  the  glo- 
rious battle  of  Buena  Vista,  in  which  fell  the  noble  Clay,  Hardin, 
Lincoln,  McKee,  Yell,  and  the  gallant  sons  of  Texas,  Missis- 
sippi, Arkansas,  Kentucky,  Illinois,  and  Indiana.  Again  the 
tempest  of  war  rose  at  its  height ;  the  enemy's  battahons  were 
hurled  down  upon  our  hnes,  and  our  troops  were  "backward 
borne."  Now  rolled  the  tide  of  victory  in  favour  of  the  Mexicans  ; 
in  turn  their  columns  shook  with  the  frightful  havoc  made  by  our 
artillery  and  musketry,  which  swayed  their  masses  to  and  fro,— 
then  swept  them  with  the  whirlwind's  furious  blast ;  and  the  bat- 
tle-field again  lay  covered  with  the  dying  and  the  dead.  The 
little  army  of  Gen.  Taylor  seemed  to  have  been  left  alone  as  an 
offering  and  a  sacrifice  to  the  cause  of  our  country.  Nearly  five 
hundred  miles  in  the  interior,  the  regular  troops  withdrawn,  with- 
out reinforcements,  almost  cut  off  from  supplies,  and  surrounded 
by  the  enemy,  it  was  left  to  meet  with  a  sad  fate,  by  encountering 
a  force  overwhelming  in  numbers.  But  it  withstood  the  shock  of 
the  mighty  host ;  bending  to  the  storm  of  death,  yet  rising  again 
and  braving  its  fury,  until  the  gale  of  combat  ceased,  and  left  the 
Spartan  band  victors  of  the  field. 

With  the  glorious  victories  of  Monterey  and  Buena  Vista  still 
green  in  our  memory,  there  comes  a  trumpet  blast  from  the  gal- 
lant and  hardy  sons  of  Missouri,  proclaiming  ncAV  laurels,  won 
under  the  chivalrous  Doniphan,  at  the  battle  of  Sacramento,  an- 
nouncing the  capture  of  the  city  of  Chihuahua.  Again,  echoing 
from  California,  comes  the  triumph  of  Col.  Kearny,  announcing 
the  battle  of  San  Pascal.  Farther  yet,  from  the  shores  of  the  Pa- 
cific, is  heard  the  roar  of  artillery,  and  our  gallant  tars  under  Com- 
modore Stockton,  from  the  ships  Cyane,  Congress,  Savannah,  and 
Portsmouth,  unite  with  our  brave  troops,  and  another  victory  is 
wrung  from  the  foe  at  San  Gabriel,  which  resulted  in  the  recap- 
ture of  Los  Angelos,  adding  another  glorious  battle  to  be  cele- 
brated with  that  of  the  memorable  "  eighth  of  January."     Again 


CONCLUSION. 


237 


the  foe  is  made  to  surrender  at  the  homhardment  of  Vera  Cruz ; 
and  again  the  "Blue  Jack"  of  the  navy,  under  the  brav^e  and 
skilful  Commodores  Conner  and  Perry,  is  mingled  with  the  stars 
and  stripes  of  the  army,  under  the  heroic  Scott,  and  both  flags 
flaunt  on  the  breeze,  from  the  battlements  of  the  castle  of  San  Juan 
d'Ulloa.  Here  fell  the  gallant  Vinton  and  the  daring  Shubrick, 
two  of  America's  noblest  sons. 

But  our  victories  do  not  stop  here.  Advancing  into  the  interior 
of  the  enemy's  country,  our  troops  are  again  met  by  the  ill-starred 
Santa  Anna,  who  had  sworn  to  conquer,  or  die  upon  the  battle- 
field. The  valleys  echo  once  again  with  "  tumultuous  war,"  and 
Cerro  Gordo  adds  another  laurel  to  the  brow  of  the  victorious  Scott. 
A  Mason,  a  Cowarden,  a  Davis,  were  sacrificed ;  while  the  blood 
of  a  Shields  and  a  Sumner  was  spilled  in  the  conflict  with  the 
enemy.  Still  onward  advance  our  gallant  troops,  and  from  the 
heart  of  the  enemy's  country,  from  the  walls  of  the  city  of  Mexico, 
are  proclaimed  two  more  brilliant  victories,  the  battles  of  Contreras 
and  Churubusco.  And  while  we  rejoice  over  these  triumphs  of 
our  arms,  while  our  hearts  bound  with  the  glory  of  these  achieve- 
ments, we  are  made  to  lament  and  deplore  the  loss  of  the  brave 
and  noble  spirits  who  were  immolated  at  their  country's  shrine. 
The  names  of  Butler  and  Thornton  will  ever  be  held  dear,  as 
bright  models  of  American  chivalry. 

And  even  while  we  write,  is  proclaimed  from  the  halls  of  the 
Montezumas,  a  still  more  terrible  conflict, — a  yet  more  desperate 
struggle, — and  the  national  flag  of  the  Union,  waving  triumphantly 
from  the  battlements  of  the  proud  capital  of  Mexico,  announces 
its  conquest,  while  the  heart  is  chilled  with  suspense  to  learn  the 
fate  of  the  gallant  braves  who  have  achieved  this  last  triumph  of 
our  arms. 

But  it  is  foreign  to  our  intent  to  record  the  history  of  these  bat- 
tles ;  our  task  was  but  to  relate  the  wild  exciting  incidents  of  the 
Texian  scouts,  and  having  finished  this  labour,  we  must  here  take 
a  kind  farewell  of  our  readers,  leaving  it  for  more  able  pens  to 
record  the  later  exploits  of  our  gallant  army. 


3 

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240 


LIST  OF  THE  KILLED.  WOUNDED.  AND  MISSING  IN  GEN.  TWIGGS'  DIVISION. 


No 


Names. 


Rank. 


Regiment. 


Co. 


Remarks. 


KILLED. 
Wm.  H.  Watson. 


L.  N.  Norris. . . 
G.  P.  Field.... 
P.  N.  Barbour. 

C.  Hoskins. . . . 
J.  C.  Terrett.. 

D.  S.  Irvin.... 

R..Hazlett 

J.  S.  Woods. . . 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 

16 
17 
18 
19 
20] Edward  Carey. 

21  Allen  J.  Vanceal. . . . 

22  Michael  McGouth. . . 

23  John  Weeks 

24  James  S,  Doble 
25 1  Peter  Andrews 
26 i Peter   Judge... 


George  Waitman. 

John  Eagle 

Lovell  Gregory. . 
Henry  Snower. . . 

T.  J.  Babb 

W.  Patrick 

J.  Newman. .'.... 

C.  Torskay 

J.  Young 

William  Brown. . 
William  Mickle. . 

J.  Harper 

G.  K.Brown 

J.  Stubert 

Edgar  Lavalette.. 


Edward  Reilly. ... 
Benjamin  Bradt. . . 
Thomas  Salsbury. . 
Henry  Conline.. .  • 


27  Jas.  C.  Pennington. 


Martin  Enwul 

Thos.  W.  Gibson.. 

Thos.  Perkins 

Lawson  Stewart.  • .  • 

Joseph  Wolf. 

George  Beck 

Richard  Bunchan. . 

H.K.Brown 

J.Carroll 

Marcus  French 

John  Savage 

Mica  Hatch 

William   Raymond. 
Francis  Sheridan. .  • 


Lieut.  Col. 

Captain 
do. 
Brevet  Major 
1st  Lt.  «fe  Adj 
1st  Lieutenant 
1st  Lt.  &,  Adj, 
2d  Lieutenant 
Brev.  1st  Lieut 

1st  Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Corporal 


Bait.  Vol. 

3d  Infantry 

do. 

do. 
4th  Inf'ry 
1st  Inf'ry 
3d  Infantry 

do. 
2d  Infantry 

3d  Artil'ry 

do. 

do. 

do. 
3d  Infantry 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


do. 

K 

4th  Inf'ry 

E 

do. 

A 

do. 

D 

do. 

do 

do. 

do 

do. 

E 

do. 

do 

do. 

do 

do. 

do 

do. 

do. 

Texas  Vol. 

1st  Inf'ry 

E 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

C 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

K 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Comm'g  Bat.,  killed 

on  20ih. 
Killed  on  the  21st. 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


Serv'g  with  4th  Inf., 

killed  on  21st. 
Killed  on  the  23d. 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


21st. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Wounded  on    21st, 

died  on  27th. 
Killed  on  the  21st. 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


22d. 

21st. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Capt.  Shivers's  Co., 

killed  on  21st. 
Killed  on  the  21st. 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


Wounded  on  21st, 
since  dead. 


241 


List  of  the  Killed,  Woimded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Twiggs* 8  rfimsion— continued. 


No, 


Names. 


KILLED. 

JohnTrescart 

G.  A.  Herring 

Alexander  Ramsay. 

Joseph  Worry 

Patrick  O'Brien. . . . 

WOUNDED. 

W.W.Lear 


H.  Bainbridge. 


J.  J.  Abercrombie. . . 

J.  H.  Lemott 

R.  H.  Graham. . . . . . 

R.Dilworth 

Philip  Swartout 

John  Edwards 


Wm.  P.  Holschea. . . 


John  Lee 

Michael  McCarthy 
Theodore  Fricker. . . 

Bendt.  Nelson 

Barthw.  Stokes 

George  Wolf 

S.  D.  Coal 

Thos.  Heuson 

William  Gilmore. . . . 

John  McCarthy 

M.Reilly 

W.  R.  Goed 

Austin  Clark 

P.  E.  Holcomb 

Thos.  Wajan 

G.  Brownley 

Emit  Hadduck 

P.  Maloney 

J.  Hogan 

P.  White 

C.  Ichle 

N.  Farley 

C.  Leslie 

D.  Presbie 

J.  D.  Ritters 

W.H.  McDonnell... 
Ischa  B.  Tucker.... 

M.  Tvler 

Joseph  Morris 

W.  Mullen 

W.  Rooke 

J.  Freel 

D.  Boyle 

T.  Clair 

Wm.  H.  Bowden. . . . 


Rank. 


1st  Sergeant 

Sergeant 

Private 

do. 

do. 

Major 

Captain 

Brevet  Major 

Captain 

1st  Lieutenant 

2d  Lieutenant 

Sergeant 

Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 
Musician 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

21 


Regiment. 


Bait.  Bat. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

3d  Inf 'ry 

do. 

1st  Inf  ry 

do. 
4th  Inf 'ry 
1st  Inf 'ry 
3d  Artil'ry 
2d  Drag. 


Co. 


3d  Artil'ry  do 


do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
2d  Drag. 
3d  Artil'ry 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
3d  Inf 'ry 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Remarks. 


Killed  on  the  2l8t 
do.  do. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 

Comd'  rgt.,  wound- 
ed 21st  severely. 

Wounded  on  2l8t 
slightly. 

Do.        do. 

Do.  severely. 

Do.  •      do. 

Do.  died  on  29th. 

Do.  slightly. 

Attached  to  Co.  D, 
3d  Artillery. 

Wounded  on  21st 
slightly. 

Do.  23d  slightly. 

Do.  21st     do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  23d     do. 

Do.  21st     do. 

Do.  severely. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  23d  slightly. 

Do.  mortally. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.  21st  severely. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  severely. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.  23d  severely. 

Do.  21st     do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.         severely. 


242 


List  of  the  Kilkd,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Twiggs* s  division — continued. 


No 


39 


Names. 


WOUNDED. 

J.  Mansfield... 


Rank. 


C.  Adams 

Edward  Astin. . 

James  Calhoun 

J.  Kerns 

M.  Keegan. .... 

L.   Sours 

David  Pottsdaner. . . . 

G.  E.  Radwell 

Thos.  O'Brien 

Geo.  W.  Anderson. . 

Robert  Sanders- . . . 

Thos.   Mannigan. . . 

Jas.   Ryan 

Thos.  Hyam 

James  Wyley 

Danl.  McDonald 

Wm.  Albison 

Matw.  McCormick. 

Wm.  Taylor 

E.  Henderson 

Wm.  Holborn 

Wm.  Petty 

Wm.  Johnson 

John  Hill 

E.  Barnum 

65lRobt.  Halden 

66|Wm.  A.  Jones 

67; James  Myers 

68 '  Aaron  Wriggle 

69'Andrew  Smith 

70: William  C.  Jones.. 

71  John  Maguire 

72  John  McDuffy 
73 
74 
75 
76 
77 
78 
79 
80 
81 
82 
83 
84 
85 
86 
87 


Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
1st  Sergeant 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


John  Banks 

Patk.  Myles 

E.  Bessie 

T.  H.  Haller 

JohnTigart 

E.  Garver... 

Denton  Conner 'Corporal 

Robt.  Aikens do. 

Augustus  Lapple. ...  I        do. 

C.  Smith iMusician 

Wm.  McCarty [Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Patrick  Neely. 

John  Saunders. . . 

Wm.  Norlin 

Robt.  E.  Wooley. 
88]  James  Crawley. . 
89|H.  Duckart 


Regiment. 


90, Francis  Faulkler. . . . , 
9l!A.Ryan ....|        do. 


3d  Inf 'ry 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
4th  Inf  ry 

do. 

do. 

do.  ■• 

do. 

d'o. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Ist  Inf'ry 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


Co. 


I 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

K 

do. 

do. 

do. 

A 

B 

E 

do. 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

A 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

C 

D 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

K 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

C 

G 

C 

do. 

K 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Remarks. 


Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Co. 
Do. 
Do. 

rio. 

Do. 


I 


Wounded  on  21sf 

severely. 
Do.        do*.         •    i| 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Do.   slightly 
Do.  dangerously. 
Do.        do. 
Do.  severely. 
Do.        do. 
Do.  dangerously. 
Do.  slightly. 
D«.  severely. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do.    - 
Do.  slightly. 
Do.  severely. 
Do.  dangerously* 
Do.  slighily. 
Do.  severely. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.    slightly.  • 
Do.   severely. 
Do.   mortally. 
Do.   dangerously. 
Do.   severely. 
Do.   dangerously. 
Do.   slightly. 
Do.   very  severely. 
Do.    slightly. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do.  1 

Do.   severely.       A 
Do.        do.  ; 

Do.   very  severisly. 
Do.        do. 
Do.  slightly. 
Do.   severely. 
Do.   slightly. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do,   severely. 
Do.   slightly. 
Do.   .     do. 
Do.   severely. 
Do.  slightly. 


243 


List  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Twiggs's  division — continued. 


No 


r  V2 

4(93 

94 

95 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

102 

103 

104 

105 

106 

107 

108 

109 

110 

111 

112 

113 

114 

115 

116 

1 
2 


Names. 


WOUNDED. 

John  Wilson. . . 


Jacob  Smidt 

Ciias.  Ratcliffe 

James  Delaney 

H.  Shrirfder 

John  Gallagher 

Levi  Smith 

Peter  McCabe 

W.  P.  Poulson 

Robt.  Caples 

James  Piles 

Albert  Hart 

William  Lee 

Jacob  Hemming 

Geo.  Aunuld 

Chas.  Peck 

Andw.  J.  Norris. . . . 

Geo.  Allen,  r 

Jas.  Henry 

Harry  Elting 

Wm.  Kelly 

H.  Gifford 

Melvin  J.  Stone 

E,  W.  Stevenson 

Wm.  P.  Alexander. . 

MISSING. 

E.  Gormley 

Geo.  O'Brien 


Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
1st  Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 
•       do. 

do. 
'do. 

dji. 

do. 

do. 
.     do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Private 
do. 


Regiment. 

Co. 

1st  Inf'ry 

G 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

K 

do. 

G 

do. 

G 

do. 

G 

do. 

E 

Bait.  Bat. 

B 

do. 

A 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

B 

do. 

do. 

do. 

D 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

F 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

A 

3d  Infantry 

I 

do. 

do. 

Remarks. 


Wounded   on   21st 

slightly. 

Do.  severely. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.  severely. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.  very  dang'sly. 

Do.  very  severely. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 

Do.  slightly. 

Do.  very  severely. 

Do.  slightly. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 

Do.  severely. 

Do.  slightly. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 


Do.   severely. 

^Knov^'n  to  have 
^  been  wounded  &; 
(  presumed  dead. 


GEN.  BUTLER'S  DIVISION— OHIO  REGIMENT. 


KILLED. 

Mathew  Hett 

W.  G.  Davis 

D.F.Smith 

O.  B.  Coxe 

Elijah  Reese 

Thomas  McMurray . . 

W.  H.  Harris 

Richard  Welch 

James  McCockey. . . 

George  Phale 

William  Weber 

John   Havolett 

T.  D.  Egan 

Stephen  Freeman. . . 
Oscar  Behnee 

WOUNDED. 

W.  O.  Butler 


A.M.Mitchell 

A.  W.  Armstrong. . 
Lewis  Morter , 


1st  Lieutenant 
1st  Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Major  General 

Colonel 
Lieut.  &  Adj. 
1st  Lieutenant 


B 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
iRi. 

A 

C 

do. 

do. 

D 

E 
2Ri. 

do. 


Killed  on  the  21st. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

D6.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 

Do.  do. 


Wounded   on  21st 

severely. 
Do.        do. 
Do.        do. 
Do.   slightly. 


244 


Xist  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Butler's  dtt>i«on— continued. 


No. 


4 

5 

6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 


Names. 


WOUNDED. 

N.H.Niles 

H.  McCarty 

James  George 

Samuel  Myers 

Josiah  A.  Kellam... 

Edward  "Wade 

William  Maloney... 

John  Farrell 

John  darken 

William  Work 

Thos.  Vande  Venter- 
John  Flannigan 

Jeremiah   Ryan 

Michael  Gilligan. . .  • 

Tobias  Went 

Charles  Segar 

Griffin  Lowerd 

Alfred  Doneghue. . . . 
Joseph  Lombeck. . .  • 

Silas  BurriU 

William  Miller 

G.  W.  Fitzhugh 

Robert  Doney 

Adam  F.  Shane 

John  Fletcher 

A.  B.  McKee 

George  Myer 

E,  J.  Spoole 

Henry  Weber 

Henry  Myer 

George  Webster. . .  • 
George  Longfellow. . 
John  F.  Longley. . 

John  Pearson 

R.  H.  Alcott 

Henry  Humphries. 


Rank. 


Ist  Lieutenant 
2d  Lieutenant 
Captain 
Private 

do. 

do. 
1st  Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 


Co. 


1st  Rifle 

do. 

do. 

A 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

G 

do. 

D 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 

H 

do. 

do. 

do. 
2d  Rifle 

do. 

do. 

do, 

do. 

do. 


Remarks. 


Wounded 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


on  21st  severely, 
slightly. 

do*, 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
died  since, 
slightly, 
do. 


TENNESSEE  REGIMENT. 


KILLED. 

W.B.Allen 

S.  M.  Putman 

John  B.  Porter 

William  H.  Robinson 

John  A.  Hill 

B.  F.  Coflfee 

E.  W.  Thomas 

Booker  H.  Dolton... 
Isaac  Gurman  Elliot 

Peter  H.  Martin 

Edward  Pryor 

Benjamin  Soaper. . . . 

Henry  Collins 

James  H.  Allison. . . . 
Jas.  U.  Johnston. . .  • 


Captain 

2d  Lieutenant 

Private 

C 

do. 

do. 

Sergeant 

D 

Private 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

F 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

H 

do. 

I 

do. 

do. 

Killed  on  the  2l8t. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


245 


List  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Butler* s  division — continued. 
TENNESSEE  REGIMENT— Continued. 


No, 


14 
15 
16 

17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 

1 
2 
3 
4 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 


Names. 


KILLED. 

Jas.  B.  Turner 

R.  D.  Willis 

Joseph  B.  Burkitt.. 
Jas  M.  L.  Campbell. 

A.  J.  Eaton. 

A.  J.  Gibson 

Finlay  Glover 

A.  J,  Pratt 

William  Rhodes 

John  W.  Sanders. . . . 
G.  W.  Wilson 

WOUNDED. 

R.  B.  Alexander 

J.  L.  Scudder 

G.  H.  Nixon 

J.  C.  Allen 

F.  F.  Winston 

J.  L.  Bryant 

Alexander  Bigam... 

D.  G.  Fleming 

Mackey  Roney 

Samuel  Davis 

James  Thompson. . . 

David  Collins 

A.S.Duval 

T.B.Powell 

Wm.  B.  Davis 

Joseph  Law 

James  York. ....... 

William  Young 

Richard  GifFord 

A.  V.  Stanfield 

Asa  Lamb 

J.  J.  Argo 

James  Todd 

Thomas  Vickens. . .  • 

W.  D.  Cabler 

James  M.  Vance. . . . 
George  W.  Gilbert.. 

Chas.  M.  Talley 

Michael  Crantze.... 

R.  C.  Locke 

F.Raphile 

Thomas  Kelly 
Albert  Tomlinson... 

Julius  C.  Elliott 

R.A.Cole 

Jas.  H.  Jenkins 

A.  G.  Stewart 

Gulinger  Holt 

James  Patterson. . . . 


Rank. 


36  Charley  Arnold. 


Private 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

Major 

1st  Lieutenant 

do. 
2d  Lieutenant 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 
1st  Sergeant 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Corporal 
Private 

21* 


Co. 


Remarks. 


I 

Killed  on 

the  21st. 

do. 

do. 

K 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
do. 

iipmao 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Wounded 

on  21st  severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

sHghtly. 

do. 

severely. 

B 

do. 

slightly, 
severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

severely. 

do. 

do. 

slightly. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

C 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

mortally. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

slightly. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

D 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

since  dead. 

F 

do. 

severely. 

do. 

do. 

slightly. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

since  dead. 

do. 

do. 

severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

C 

do. 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 
do. 

slightly, 
severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

H 

do. 

do. 

do. 
do. 

do. 
do. 

slightly. 

246 


Lia  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Butler' s  division — continued. 
TENNESSEE  REGIMENT—Continued. 


No 


AVOUNDED. 

J.  J.BIackwell 

Joseph  Crutchfield. . 

J.  Freeman 

J.  D.  Gilmer 

P.O.Hale 

Daniel  C.  King 

C.B.  Maguire 

S.  S.  Reaves 

A.  W,  Reaves 

x\ugustin  Stevens... 
Thomas  N.Smith... 

C.B.Ward 

Charles  Davis 

Robt.  W.  Green.... 

Eli  Brown 

W.  F.  Bowen 

Peter  Eu^les 

Robert  P  lannigan . . . 
William  Lowery. . .  • 
S.  N.  Macey 

E.  G.  Zachary 

W.  M.  Alferd 

John  H.  Kay 

A.  S.  Alexander 

M.  C.  Abinathy 

Jesse  Brashars 

J.  M.  Bailey 

Campbell  G.  Boyd. . 

B»  L.  Commons 

J.W.Curtis 

H.  H.  Dadson 

John  Gavin 

Aaron  Parks 

F.  Richardson 

A.  O.  Richardson.. . 
I'homas  C.  Ramsay. 

John  Vining. 

M.  D.  Watson 

Thomas  Thompson. . 

MISSING-. 

Felix  Wordzincki. .. 


R.  R.  Morehead. 


do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
1st  Sergeant 
Corporal 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 

do. 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Private 
do. 


H 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
I 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
K 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
F 

F 

I 


Remarks. 


Wounded 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


on  21st  slightly. 

do. 
severely. 

do. 
slightly, 
severely. 

do. 

do. 
slightly. 

do. 
do. 

severely. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
slightly. 

severely, 
do. 
do. 
do. 


on  23d. 


severely. 

do. 

do. 
slightly, 
severely. 

do. 
slightly. 

severely, 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


Missing  on  the  21st,  re- 
turned unhurt  to  camp. 

Certainly  killed  in  the  ac- 
tion of  the  21st. 


MISSISSIPPI  REGIMENT. 


KILLED. 

L.  M.  Troeur. 
Silas  Mitcham 
Samuel  Potts. 
Joseph  H.  Tenelle. . . 


Private 
do. 
do. 

Private 


William  H.  Grisam.  .ICorporal 


C 

Killed  on  the  21st 

E 

do. 

G 

do. 

H 

do. 

I 

do. 

247 

List  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Butler's  rfimsion— -continued. 
MISSISSIPPI  REGIMENT— Continued. 


b 


No, 


Names. 


KILLED. 

Joseph  Heaton. . . . 
Joseph  Downing. . 
Daniel  D.  Dubois. . .  • 
John  M.  Tyree.. 

WOUNDED. 

Alex.  K.  McClung.. 
R.  N.  Downing. . 
Henry  T.  Cook. . 
Rufus  K.  Arthur. . .  • 
L.  T.  Howard. . . . 
Henry  H.  Miller. . 
J.  H.  Jackson. . . . 

A.  Lainhart 

J.  L.  Anderson. . . 

G.  H.  Jones 

John  D.  Markham. . . 
H.  B.  Thompson. . . . 
E.  W.  HoUingsworth 
Dr.  G.  W.  Ramsay.. 

Alphius  Cobb 

George  Wills 

W.  Huffman 

O.  W.  Jones 

William  Orr 

D.  Love 

Joseph  H.  Langford. 

A.  P.  Barnham 

H.  W.  Pierce 

William  Shadt 

W.  H.  Fleming 

Jacob  Frederick 

John  Coleman 

Wm.  P,  Spencer. . . . 

VI.  M.Smith 

James  Kilvey 

J.   Williamson 

A.  W.  Taig 

Warren  White 

Robert  Bowen 

Frederick  Mathews. 
Benj.  F.  Roberts. . .. 

Avery  Noland 

Francis  A.  Wolf. . . . 

C.  F.  Cotton 

Geo.  Williams 

Nat.  Massie 

William  H.  Bell. . . . 

E.  B.  Lewis 

D.  B.  Lewis 

Charles    Martin 

J  as.  L.  Thompson. . . 
John  Stewart 


Rank. 


Co. 


Private 
do. 
do. 
do. 

Lieut.  Colonel 
Captain 
1st  Lieutenant 
2d  Lieutenant 

do. 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Corporal 
Private 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 
Sergeant 
Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


B 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

C 

do. 

D 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

I 

do. 
do. 
do. 
K 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


Remarks. 


Killed  on  the  21st. 
do. 

do.        22d. 
do.        23d. 


Wounded 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


on  21st  dang' sly. 
severely, 
slightly. 

22d,23d,seve'Iy. 
21st,dang'ly. 

do. 
severely, 
shghtly. 

do. 
severely, 
slightly. 

do. 
mortally, 
dang'sly. 
severely. 

do. 

do. 
slightly. 

do! 
mortally, 
dang'sly. 

do. 
severely, 
slightly. 

do! 

do. 

do. 
dang'sly. 

do. 
severely. 

do. 
mortally, 
slij ' 


dang'sly. 
severely. 

do. 
slightly, 
dang'sly. 

do. 

do. 

do. 
slightly. 


248 

List  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Butler's  division — continued. 
MISSISSIPPI  REGIMENT— Continued. 


No. 

Names. 

Rank. 

Co. 

Remarks. 

43 
44 
45 
46 
47 

WOUNDED. 

John  McNorris 

R.  W.  Chance 

P.W.Johnson 

Robert  Grigg 

Piatt  Snedicor 

Private 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

K 
B 
C 
H 
K 

Wounded  on  21st  slightly. 
do.22d,23d,mort'ly. 
do.               severely. 
do.               slightly. 
do.              mortally. 

WOUNDED. 

Valentine   Deutche. 

Lewis  Young 

Joseph  Bartlett. . . . 

Philip  Smith 

Thomas  Alender. . . 


Wounded  on  the  21st. 
do.  do. 

do.  22d. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 


GEN.  WORTH'S  DIVISION. 


Names. 


KILLED. 

H.   McKavett. .. 

W.  Rihl 

Charles  Hamm. 
J.  F.  Wagner.. . 

Irwing 

Miller 

P.  Fickicson. . . . 
S.  G.  AUeng. . . . 
John   Francis... 

WOUNDED. 

N.  B.  Rossell. . . 

Brand 

McManus 

Grubb 

Schriveigman. . . 

Bell 

Ingalls 

Grelan 

McGuirk 

Hendricks 

R.  C.  Gatlin. . . . 

J.  H.  Potter 

R.  S.  Cross 

S.P.Oakley 

M.  Fleming 

C.  Gusbenberger 
James  Myers.. . 
A.  Rennebeck. . 
N.  White 


Rank. 

Regim't. 

Captain 

8th  Inft. 

Private 

do. 

do. 

4  th  Art. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

7th  Inft. 

do. 

La.  Vol. 

do. 

do. 

1st  Lieut. 

5th  Inft. 

Serg.  Maj. 

do. 

Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Captain 

7th  Inft. 

2d  Lieut. 

do. 

Sergeant 

do. 

Corporal 

do. 

Private 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

E 
A 
G 
I 

do. 
do. 
C 
Phoenix, 
do. 


N.  C.  S. 


Remarks. 


C. 
E 
G 
do. 
H 
I 

K 

do. 

do. 

F 

I 

C 

K 

D 

E 

do. 

do. 

K 


^  At  the  storming  of  the 
>  Bishop's  Palace  and  the 
)  heights  overlooking  it. 


In  the  arm  and  side  by 
musket  ball. 


Leg  shot  off— died  same 
day. 


Died  in  hospital,  Sept.  27. 


249 

List  of  the  Killed,  Wounded,  and  Missing  in  Gen.  Worth's  division— continued. 


Names. 


Rank. 

Regim't. 

Co. 

Corporal 

1st  Art. 

K 

Private 

4th  Art. 

H 

do. 

La.  Vol. 

Phoenix 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

2d  Art. 

A 

do. 

4th  Art. 

H 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

G 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

3d  Art. 

A 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

4th  Art. 

I 

Artificer 

do. 

do. 

Private 

2d  Art. 

K 

2d  Lieut. 

8th  Inft. 

A 

Serjeant 

do. 

B 

lo. 

do. 

D 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Private 

do. 

E 

do. 

do. 

H 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Remarks. 


WOUNDED. 

Morron ■ 

James  Harvey. 


Louis  Kirk 

J.W.Miller 

W.  Burton 

M.   Morton 

Basse 

Michael  Noonan. . . 

Joseph  Grey 

Stephen  Edwards... 
Theopolis  Bowis. . . 

James  Lynch 

Mark  Collins 

Denis  Kelly 

Amos  Collins 

John  Reinecke 

Isaac  Dyer 

Boyd 

Ragan 

PaulBunzey 

Geo.  Wain  Wright... 

Rock 

Wills 

Marshall 

R.  Riley 

Lawrence  Tacey. . . . 
Jas.  McKnight 


Died  in  hospital,  Oct.  7. 
Attached  to  K  Co.,  1st 
Artil'ry — died  Sept.  28. 


Badly  wounded. 


Died  on  the  30th  Sept. 


Died  October  9. 


RECAPITULATION. 

Killed 9 

Mortally  wounded 6 

Wounded 40 

Total  killed  and  wounded  in  Gen.  Worth's  division 55 


250 

COL.  HAYS'S  REGIIVIENT. 

ATTACHED   TO   2d   DIVISION   IN   THE  TAKING   OF   MONTEREY. 

List  of  the  Killed  and  Wounded  in  the  several  companies  of  the  1st  Regiment  of 
Texas  Mounted  Riflemen,  commanded  by  Col.  John  C.  Hays,  in  the  recent 
operations  in  and  about  Monterey. 

Company  A,  Capt.  Ben  McCulloch's. .  .Herman  S.  Thomas,  killed  on  the  22d 

of  September. 

do.  do.  do.  Armstrong,  badly  wounded. 

do.  do.  do.  Fielding  Alston,  do.  do. 

do.  do.  do.  Jno.  P.  Waters,   do.  do. 

do.  do.  do.  C.  E.  De  Witt,     do.  do. 

do.  do.  do.  Oliver  Jenkins,  slightly  wounded. 

do.  do.  do.  J.  F.  Minter,         do.  do. 

do.  do.  do.  Thomas  Law,       do.  d«. 

Company  B,  Capt.  C.  B.  Acklen's None  killed  or  wounded. 

Company  C,  Capt.  Tom  Green's None  killed. 

do.                  do.                  do.  John  Rabb,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  D,  Capt.  Ballowe's Lieut.  Wm.  E.  Reese,  slightly  wound- 
ed on  the  22d. 

do.  do.  do.  Daniel  McCarty,  killed. 

Company  E,  Capt.  C.  C.  Herbert's. . .  -J.  W.  D.  Austin,  killed  on  the  2l8t. 

do.                  do.                  do.  Jesse  Perkins,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  F,  Capt.  Early's None  killed. 

do.  do.  N.  P.  Browning,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  G,  Capt,  James  Gillespie's.  ..Sergt.  Roundtree,  slightly  wounded. 
Company  H,  Capt.  J.  B.  McCown's- .  •  •  Corp.  J.  B.  Walker,  slightly  wounded. 

do.  do.  do.  Wm.  Carley,  badly  wounded. 

do.  do.  do.  J.  Buchanan,  H.  P.  Lyon,  and  C.  W. 

Tufts,  were  left  behind  on  special 
duty,  and  are  supposed  to  be  killed. 
None  killed  in  action. 
Company  I,  Capt.  R.  A.  Gillespie's. . .  .Capt.  R.  A.  Gillespie,  killed  in  storm- 
ing the  second  height. 

do.                 do.                 do.  Gilbert  Brush,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  K,  Capt.  Eli  Chandler's Corp.  John  M.  Fullerton,  killed. 

do.  do.  do.  Sergt.  J.  B.  Barry,  sHghtly  wounded. 

do.  do.  do.  B.  F.  Keys,  do.  do. 


• 


COL.  WOODS'S  REGIMENT  OF  TEXAS  RANGERS, 

OPERATING   IN   THE  EASTERN   PART   OF   THE   CITY    ON   THE  23d. 


Killed— George  Short  and  Thomas  Gregory 

Wounded—Baker  Barton,  Chas.  G.  Davenport,  Ira  Grigsby,  and  C.  Reese.  .4 

Total  killed  and  wounded 6 


I 


251 
RECAPITULATION. 


DIVISIONS. 


Gen.  Twiggs's. 

2d  Regiment  Dragoons 

1st  Infantry 

2d  Infantry 

3d  Infantry 

4th  Infantry 

3d  Artillery 

Light  Artillery 

Bahimore  Battalion 

Capt.  Shiver's  Company  of  Texas  Volunteers. 


Total. 


Gen.  Worth's. 

Artillery 

5th  Infantry 

7th  Infantry 

8th  Infantry 

Phoenix  Company  of  Louisiana  Volunteers. . 
Col.  Hays's  Regiment  of  Texas  Volunteers. 


Total. 


Gen.  Butler's. 

General  Commanding 

Kentucky  Regiment 

Ohio  Regiment 

Tennessee  Regiment 

Mississippi  Regiment 

Col.  Wood's  Texas  Rangers 


Total 

Grand  Total. 


9 
27 

31 

23 

9 

7 


47 


4  106 


11 


33 


11 


58 


3  53 

i8 


16 


1J59J16 


Total  killed  and  wounded  during  the  three  days. 


21 


5 

32 

75 

47 

4 

163 

201 

506 


THE   END. 


The  work  an  noun  cod 


b 


""^Oi 


,1etl  tit  pmhracd  a  view  of  the  most 


lEISiu^ 


:\iidi-^\i> 


JaWliraif'S 


AVllKH   HAVE   TRANSI'IKED   SIXCE   Tllfi 


OISCGVERY  OF  AMERICA. 

IT    WILL    IN^CLUDE    AS    ACCOUXT    OV 

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THE  DISCOVERY  AND  SETTLEMENT  OF  THE 
UNITED  STATES  AND  CANADA. 

KING  PHILIP'S  WAR,  and 

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Conquest  of  Canada. 

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C5G»" 


?     AN  INTERESTINI}  AND  VALUABLE  WORK 


AS  IT  WAS  AND  AS  IT  IS. 

BY  BRANTZ  MAYER, 

J,  A  IK    SECKETAHY    OF    LEOATIOX    TO    MEXUO. 
EMBELMSHED   WITH 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTY  ENGRAVINGS, 

Executed  in  the  most  finished  manner,  on  Wood,  by  Evtkr.  mostly  f>07n  original 
designs  and  drawings  by  the  author^  illustrating  the 

Ruins,    Antiquities.   Costumes,    Places,    Customs,    and 
Curiosities  of  tlie 

ANCIENT  AND  MODERN  MEXTPWj^ 

IXCLrDING    A    HISTORY    OF    THK 

WA^  WITH  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

To  be  completed  in  seven  semi-monthly  numbers,  at  twenty- 
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Tliis  work  grives  a  complete  account  of  the  present  Social  and  Political 
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Antiquities  in  the  Museum  of  Mexico,  and  of  the  Ancient  Remains,  strewn 
from  California  to  Oajaea;  which  are  copiously  illustrated.  It  also  fur- 
nishes a  record  of  the/author's  journeys  to  Tezcoco.  and  through  the  tierre 
Cii'imte.—u  \u\\  account  of  the  Ajrricultnre,  Manufactures.  Commerce,  Re- 
S(iii!ie>.  Mines.  Coinage.  an<l  SlulistiCS  of  Mexico;  and,  added  to  ail  this,  is 
a  c(>nii)lete  view  of  the  pa=t  and  pre.sent  history  of  the  country  :  being  more 
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which  has  appeared  since  the  days  of  Humhokti.  The  engravings  are  nu- 
merous, and  of  the  most  finished  character,  highly  illustrating  the  text,  and 
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other  works  of  nature  and   art.  are  grapme  and  truthful  in  the  hig'.^ 
gree.     lJ:s  Sketch  of  the  JHlistory  of  JNiexico  i-  also  a  very  useful  <•  i 
diuni  tor  those  who  cannot  command  larger   works  on  the  same  -i 
The  book  is  handsomel'y  printed  on  fine   pnper.  aiul   bound  in  good  siyi". 
Mr.  May<-r"s  work  on  Mexico  will  be  read  vviili  avidity  by  those  who  have 
rrad  l\rr.  rnseott's  ••  Conquest  of  Mexico."  .since  it  furnishes  out  of  the  best 
d''.seriiM!(.ii>  f>xtant  of  the  present  ec.idition  of  that  country. 

Am-  !  .rson  in  the  countrv  sending  us  Three  Dollars,  shall  receive,  by 
ir:i;'.'"A-    "ip-es  of  the  above  work.    The  first  number  wdl  be  ii'sued  on 


postage  paid, 

G.  B  yav.va: 


6 


I'/iiindiljihta,  Fa. 


■•i# 


